Beschreibung:

LESSON, René Primevère (1794-1849). Histoire naturelle des oiseaux-mouches . Paris: Arthus Bertrand, [1829-1830].
LESSON, René Primevère (1794-1849). Histoire naturelle des oiseaux-mouches . Paris: Arthus Bertrand, [1829-1830]. 8° (226 x 145mm). Half-title, 86 color-printed engraved plates finished by hand by Coutant after A. G. Bévalet, J.-G. Prêtre, Mlle. Zoë Dumont, Mme. Lesson and A. C. Vauthier, printed by Rémond. (Some spotting and light browning to plates and text.) Contemporary half calf and marbled boards (spine bumped at head, front inner hinges entirely split, some light wear). Provenance : J.P. Atkins (gift inscription dated 16 March 1836); Halstead Place Library (shelf label); J. F. Symons-Jeune (bookplate); Cecily Burnal Atkins (gift inscription dated Sept. 1942); Sir Giles Loder Bt. (1914-1999) British book collector (sold Christie's London 2 June 1999, lot 54). The first of three works by Lesson on humming-birds. Issued in 17 parts, it is described by Wood as a “fundamental classic.” Lesson's monographs were the most comprehensive treatment of the Trocholidae until Gould began his monumental work 20 years later. However, Lesson was particularly well qualified for the task since he had studied these tiny birds in their natural habitat during his voyage of circumnavigation in La Coquille . The 86 exquisite plates include four of nests. Anker 291; Ayer/Zimmer p. 386; Fine Bird Books p.89 (*); Nissen IVB 547; Ronsil 1774; Wood p. 433.