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Bewick, Thomas.
History of British Birds [2 volumes].
Publisher: Sol. Hodgson for Beilby & Bewick, Newcastle;
Date of Publication: 1797
Stock Code: 9510
FIRST EDITION. Royal octavo, pp. [4], [iii]-335, [1]; xx, 400. Volume I with 117 figures of birds and 91 tail-pieces; volume II with 101 figures of birds, 136 tailpieces. One of only 850 copies in Royal octavo. With the advertisement for the Third Edition of Quadrupeds to verso p. 331 of volume I confirming it as the first issue. Bound by Bedford with their binders stamp to dentelles, in superb deep emerald green levant morocco with 5 raised bands, gilt titles to spine and foliate decoration to compartments; gilt fillets and further decoration to boards; top edge gilt. Marbled endpapers. Spines very slightly sunned; small polish stain to edge volume I and larger stain (approx 14 cm x 6 cm max) to centre of upper board Vol II. From the library of Prince Henry of Gloucester with his armorial bookplate to each front paste-down. A Near Fine set. The forerunner of all modern field guides, Bewick’s ‘History of British Birds’ changed the public’s perception of the natural world; it is a landmark in natural history illustration and is one of the most important illustrated books ever printed. This is the first edition of Bewick’s masterpiece, in an exceptionally handsome binding and is an outstanding copy, with the added provenance of being from the library of Prince Henry of Gloucester. Prince Henry (1900-1974) was the third son of King George V and Queen Mary, and the younger brother of Kings Edward VIII and George VI. Heavyweight so a contribution towards increased postage costs will be requested for overseas delivery. £2500.00