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PROPERTY OF A PRIVATE COLLECTOR
DRESSER, Henry Eeles (1838-1915). A History of the Birds of Europe. London: Taylor and Francis for the author, 1871-1896.
Details
DRESSER, Henry Eeles (1838-1915). A History of the Birds of Europe. London: Taylor and Francis for the author, 1871-1896.
The first edition, with supplement, of “by far the most exhaustive account of the European Avifauna yet attempted” (McGhie). It had been fifty years since the publication of Gould’s The Birds of Europe, and the plethora of ornithological research conducted in the interim required a systematic and accurate presentation. Dresser based this monumental work on his collection of 12,000 specimens, collected not only by himself but by a large network of colleagues across the continent. The treatise was originally published in 84 parts between 1871 and 1882, with a further nine supplementary parts appearing between 1895 and 1896. Great care was taken in the plates and the accuracy of their coloring, leading to high praise from Alfred Russel Wallace: “a work like the present, so beautifully and artistically illustrated … is sure to become scarce and to rise considerably in value. Lovers of nature and of art may therefore be reminded, that in becoming subscribers they are not only obtaining a valuable and most interesting book, but are at the same time making a profitable investment” (McGhie). Anker 120; Fine Bird Books p.92; Nissen IVB 267. See Henry A. McGhie, Henry Dresser and Victorian Ornithology: Birds, Books and Business.
Nine volumes, quarto (320 x 248mm). 9 lithographic titles, 722 lithographic plates, of which 720 hand-colored (without letterpress titles, lacking plate 131 [Yellow Wagtail]; very occasional spotting to some plates). Vols 1-8: contemporary green morocco gilt by H. H. Porter (water damage to lower corners, some light rubbing); Supplement: contemporary green half morocco.
The first edition, with supplement, of “by far the most exhaustive account of the European Avifauna yet attempted” (McGhie). It had been fifty years since the publication of Gould’s The Birds of Europe, and the plethora of ornithological research conducted in the interim required a systematic and accurate presentation. Dresser based this monumental work on his collection of 12,000 specimens, collected not only by himself but by a large network of colleagues across the continent. The treatise was originally published in 84 parts between 1871 and 1882, with a further nine supplementary parts appearing between 1895 and 1896. Great care was taken in the plates and the accuracy of their coloring, leading to high praise from Alfred Russel Wallace: “a work like the present, so beautifully and artistically illustrated … is sure to become scarce and to rise considerably in value. Lovers of nature and of art may therefore be reminded, that in becoming subscribers they are not only obtaining a valuable and most interesting book, but are at the same time making a profitable investment” (McGhie). Anker 120; Fine Bird Books p.92; Nissen IVB 267. See Henry A. McGhie, Henry Dresser and Victorian Ornithology: Birds, Books and Business.
Nine volumes, quarto (320 x 248mm). 9 lithographic titles, 722 lithographic plates, of which 720 hand-colored (without letterpress titles, lacking plate 131 [Yellow Wagtail]; very occasional spotting to some plates). Vols 1-8: contemporary green morocco gilt by H. H. Porter (water damage to lower corners, some light rubbing); Supplement: contemporary green half morocco.