A General History of Birds. Vol. I-X (with Index)

Description:

This work considerably expanded Latham's earlier General Synopsis of Birds (1781-1785), and included information from the two supplements (1787-1801), and information discovered since the original publication. Latham was able to examine specimens of Australian birds which reached England in the last twenty years of the 18th century, and was responsible for naming many of them. Latham began this edition when he was 80 years of age. The engravings were drawn and etched by Latham and coloured by Latham and Sarah Stone (Jackson, 1985).

Anker 277; Nissen IVB 532; Jackson, 1985, Bird Etchings, p. 147.

John Latham (1740-1837) was an English physician and naturalist, who dominated the world of ornithology for half a century at a time when much new material was being discovered.

Condition

11 vols (including Index), 4to (285x215mm), recased and rebacked, orig. boards, scuffed, soiled and worn; one joint partly split and neatly refixed. Edges untrimmed; some spotting and offsetting. Author's note to subscribers tipped in before title of volumes 1, 2 and 4. Recent bookplate of K.I. Benyon.