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Bewick, Thomas.
A History of British Birds.
Publisher: Printed by Edw. Walker... for T. Bewick, Newcastle;
Date of Publication: 1826
Stock Code: 8958
Eighth Edition of Land Birds, Sixth Edition of Water Birds. Royal Paper copies, one of only 252 sets; this set bound without the two leaves of “Preface to the Sixth Edition” immediately following the title- page, as is common. Royal Octavo, pp., [2],[vi]-xliv, [1]-394; [2], [iii]-xxii, [1]-432. Vol I with 157 figures of birds, 161 tailpieces and 12 figures within the text; Vol II with 157 figures of birds, 145 tailpieces and 2 figures within text. Bound in red half morocco bound by Birdsall of Northampton, with 5 raised bands, gilt titles to spine and gilt bird and nest motifs to compartments; gilt fillet to edges; matching red cloth-covered boards; marbled endpapers; top-edge gilt. Housed in a later, sturdy red cloth-covered slipcase. Spines very slightly sunned; from the library of Allston A. Kisby of Cottingham with his letterpress bookplate to each front paste-down and pictorial plate tipped-in to verso ffep Vol II only (a small mark to Vol I indicates that this volume once had a similar plate). A little scattered light foxing, mainly to prelims and late leaves Vol I and text-block edge Vol II. Slipcase a little rubbed to edges with minor wear. to opening. Thomas Bewick’s masterpiece, a landmark publication and one of the most important works ever printed in the field of natural history. This edition of Bewick’s Birds was the last published during his lifetime, was considerably revised from previous editions and largely rewritten, to produce what is widely regarded as the best edition of the work, here in Royal Paper. Heavyweight, so a contribution towards increased postage costs will be requested for overseas delivery. £600.00