LEGGE, William Vincent (1840-1918). A History of the Birds of Ceylon. London: printed by Taylor and Francis, published by the author, [1878]-1880. Large 4° (310 x 145mm). Coloured map of Ceylon, diagrammatic plate of avian physiognomy, coloured lithographic plate of eggs, finished by hand, 33 hand-coloured lithographic plates by J.G.Keulemans, printed by Hanhart, illustrations. (Somewhat browned throughout, three plates with appreciable spotting, wormtracks through to S4 repaired but affecting 3 plates, repaired tears to inner blank margins of title and two subsequent leaves.) Modern green calf gilt, g.e. (contemporary spine laid down). FIRST EDITION, first issue of a work with "very fine" plates (Zimmer). Originally issued in three parts, this work is a complete monograph of the birds of Ceylon. "Our knowledge of the avifauna of the island is considerably increased by this work, which deals with altogether 371 species, two of which are introduced birds. The author has added 24 species to the list of the birds of Ceylon, and mentions 47 species as peculiar to the island." (Anker). Nissen IVB 539; Zimmer p.382; Anker 284 ("fine plates").
LEGGE, William Vincent (1840-1918). A History of the Birds of Ceylon. London: printed by Taylor and Francis, published by the author, [1878]-1880. Large 4° (310 x 145mm). Coloured map of Ceylon, diagrammatic plate of avian physiognomy, coloured lithographic plate of eggs, finished by hand, 33 hand-coloured lithographic plates by J.G.Keulemans, printed by Hanhart, illustrations. (Somewhat browned throughout, three plates with appreciable spotting, wormtracks through to S4 repaired but affecting 3 plates, repaired tears to inner blank margins of title and two subsequent leaves.) Modern green calf gilt, g.e. (contemporary spine laid down). FIRST EDITION, first issue of a work with "very fine" plates (Zimmer). Originally issued in three parts, this work is a complete monograph of the birds of Ceylon. "Our knowledge of the avifauna of the island is considerably increased by this work, which deals with altogether 371 species, two of which are introduced birds. The author has added 24 species to the list of the birds of Ceylon, and mentions 47 species as peculiar to the island." (Anker). Nissen IVB 539; Zimmer p.382; Anker 284 ("fine plates").
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
