An absolute delight for any ornithologists, artist, historian of the natural world. (Price newly reduced.)
Selling as a unique and collectable lot ...... a set of 4 classical and rare books on British birds, being one of the finest examples from the early 20th century, written and illustrated by one of Britain's most influential ornithological painters of the period; Archibald Thorburn (FZS).
These are a delightful set of books from a century ago, featuring four hundred bird species, illustrated in Thorburn's usual naturalistic style. This is a rare opportunity to obtain books which are usually within national natural history and ornithological archives. See photos.
"British Birds" Volumes 1-4; complete set, with 82 fine tissue guarded plates.
The 4 volumes comprise:
Vol 1 - 4th Edition, Nov 1918 (1,000 copies printed) ...... one plate (IX) is missing.
Vol 2 - 4th Edition, Nov 1918 (1,000 copies printed).
Vol 3 - 3rd Edition, Nov 1918 (1,000 copies printed).
Vol 4 - 3rd Edition (incorporating Supplementary Part), Nov 1918 (500 copies printed).
Published by Longmans, Green & Co, London.
Condition overall - Good. Red cloth, gilt titles to spine. Covers clean, tho with some scuffs and marks, and various degrees of rubbing and wear to the 4 volumes. Spines sunned, base and top of spines showing some fraying. Blocks with gilt top edge, are clean. Bindings remain tight. Personal inscription to FFEPs in all 4 volumes ..... "Rachel Lewes, from Clem", 18th Aug 1919.
The plates retain their stunning colours, vibrancy and live quality. The end papers and narrative pages are essentially clean, in good order. Pages adjacent to the back of plates show discolouration and some foxing transferred from the plate paper.
SPECIAL NOTE: Archibald Thorburn worked in conjunction with another celebrated ornithological artist of the period, John G Millais. Oxfam Winchester are simultaneously putting on-line, 4 further stunning and rare ornithological books from Millais. Search online, or ring shop with any questions.