A history of the birds of Europe, including all the species inhabiting the western palaearctic region.
Eur 15,000 / USD 16,500
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London, published by the author, 1871-1896. 9 volumes (including the supplement). Large-4to (315 x 245mm). With 723 (721 handcoloured) lithographic plates. Contemporary red half morocco, spines in 6 compartments with gilt lines, lettering and ornaments, topedges gilt.
Monumental work on the European avifauna
An attractively bound set with the rare supplement of this monumental work on the European avifauna. The excellent drawings of the plates were executed chiefly by J.G. Keulemans, some others by J. Wolf and E. Neale. "Dresser's text is highly scientific, his aim being to give a comprehensive account of all the European birds. Each species mentioned in the text was illustrated... The usual 'Gouldian' formula is followed with most birds perched either on a branch or on the ground, fairly detailed foreground plants and terrain, a lightly sketched background, pale blue tinted sky. As the birds themselves, there is usually one per page for the larger species, two where it is necessary to show the difference in plumage between male and female, and an occasional chick or immature bird" (Jackson. Bird Illustrators, p. 94). Some occasional light foxing as is usual with this book.
Provenance: Armorial bookplate of Moore Stevens.
Anker 120; Nissen IVB, 267.