Title: American Ornithology; Or The Natural History of the Birds of the United States Author: Wilson, Alexander Place: New York Publisher: Collins & Co. Date: 1828-29 Description: 3 text volumes + Atlas volume of plates. cxcix, 231; vi, [9]-456; vi, 396 pp. Atlas volume: Title leaf + 76 hand-colored engraved plates. Text volumes (8vo) 9¼x5½; plate volume (folio) 15x11¾. All in 19th century half calf and marbled boards (plate volume unmatched). Revised Edition. Lovely set of Wilson's highly important ornithology, with striking hand-colored plates. Whitman Bennett (American 19th Century Color Plate Books), speaking of the First Edition, describes Wilson's work as "the first truly great American ornithology and also the first truly outstanding American color plate book of any type; absolutely basic as a collector's item, somewhat unjustly overshadowed by the enormous and more beautiful Audubon giant folios, actually printed in Great Britain..." Reese 3 (citing the first edition). Lot Amendments Condition: Some wear to joints and edges, front hinge cracked in Vol. 1; some overall toning to plates and an occasional spot of foxing; overall very good. Item number: 184487
Title: American Ornithology; Or The Natural History of the Birds of the United States Author: Wilson, Alexander Place: New York Publisher: Collins & Co. Date: 1828-29 Description: 3 text volumes + Atlas volume of plates. cxcix, 231; vi, [9]-456; vi, 396 pp. Atlas volume: Title leaf + 76 hand-colored engraved plates. Text volumes (8vo) 9¼x5½; plate volume (folio) 15x11¾. All in 19th century half calf and marbled boards (plate volume unmatched). Revised Edition. Lovely set of Wilson's highly important ornithology, with striking hand-colored plates. Whitman Bennett (American 19th Century Color Plate Books), speaking of the First Edition, describes Wilson's work as "the first truly great American ornithology and also the first truly outstanding American color plate book of any type; absolutely basic as a collector's item, somewhat unjustly overshadowed by the enormous and more beautiful Audubon giant folios, actually printed in Great Britain..." Reese 3 (citing the first edition). Lot Amendments Condition: Some wear to joints and edges, front hinge cracked in Vol. 1; some overall toning to plates and an occasional spot of foxing; overall very good. Item number: 184487
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