Beschreibung:

EDWARDS, George. A Natural History of Uncommon Birds, and of some other rare and undescribed Animals . London: for the Author, 1743-1751. 4 volumes in 2: with Gleanings of Natural History . London: for the Author, [1758]-1760. 3 volumes. Together 7 volumes in 5, 4° (284 x 225mm.). First work with engraved portrait by J.S. Miller after Dandridge, engraved vignette on general title, engraved portait of a Samoyed in vol.II. List of subscribers in vol.IV. (Without French translation of the text.) Second work with engraved frontispiece, engraved vignette on first title, engraved illustration on last page of vol.I. List of subscribers in vol.II & III. Both works comprising 362 hand-coloured etched plates by and after the author consecutively numbered. (Some leaves browned, some slightly soiled and stained, some off-setting, D1 in vol.II of second work torn affecting 4 lines, a few other minor marginal tears). Contemporary calf (first work rebacked with original gilt spines rubbed, second work rebacked with modern calf, gilt ornaments), lettering pieces. Provenance : Thos. Harvey and W. Wright (signatures on titles). These two titles are considered as one work, and 'At its date of issue the Natural History and Gleanings was one of the most important of all bird books, both as a Fine Bird Book and a work of Ornithology. It is still high on each list' ( Fine Bird Books p.73); see Nissen IVB 286-288; Zimmer pp.194-199. (5)