Beschreibung:

ELLIOT, Daniel Giraud (1835-1915). A Monograph of the Phasianidae or Family of the Pheasants . New York: published by the author, [1870]-1872. 2 volumes, 2 (594 x 470mm). 79 fine hand-coloured lithographic plates after Joseph Wolf by J. Smit and J. G. Keulemans, printed by M. and N. Hanhart and P. W. M. Trap, coloured by J. D. White, and 2 uncoloured plates of generic characters by and after Smit. (Plate 31 in vol. I with slight spotting at right hand margin, plate 21 in vol. II with a short repaired tear at lower blank margin, titles spotted, occasional light spotting to text.) Contemporary red half morocco, spines gilt, gilt edges (joints and corners rubbed, inner hinges strengthened). Provenance : Earl of Sefton, Croxteth Library (armorial bookplate). A FINE SUBSCRIBER'S COPY OF ELLIOT'S MOST SPLENDID MONOGRAPH. Published in 6 parts from June, 1870 to October, 1872, it is described by Sitwell as 'the equal in every way to any work by Gould'. The magnificent size and beautiful colouring of the plates after Joseph Wolf's charcoal drawings reflect the importance which Elliot attached to the Phasianidae . Of all the families in the ornithological system, he regarded it as the one most vital to the human race, 'containing within it the species that afford food for thousands of mankind, and also those which are the original source of all the domestic poultry met with thoughout the civilized world.' He generously dedicated the work 'To my friend Joseph Wolf ' calling his 'unrivalled talent ... its chief attraction.' Anker 130; Fine Bird Books p. 74; Nissen IVB 295; Wood p. 331; Zimmer p. 206. (2)