A History of British Birds, Indigenous and Migratory; Including their Organization, Habits, and Relations. Vol. I-V

Description:

First edition comprises five volumes, published in 1837, 1839, 1840, 1852 and 1852. The first three volumes were published by Scott, Webster and Geary, and the final two by W.S. Orr & Co. Due to the extended period of publication, complete sets are not commonly found.

This is one of the most important works of nineteenth-century British ornithology, and the principal achievement of the distinguished Scottish naturalist William MacGillivray (1796-1852). Published in five volumes over fifteen years, this monumental study is notable for its scientific rigour, detailed anatomical descriptions and extensive original field observations. MacGillivray details the appearance and classification of British birds and their anatomy, habits, breeding, migration and distribution. It is also illustrated with engraved plates and numerous wood-engravings. It was a pioneering contribution to ornithology, with its emphasis on firsthand observation rather than reliance on earlier authorities. The final two volumes, dealing with water birds, were published in 1852, the year of MacGillivray's death.

He was a close friend and scientific collaborator of John James Audubon. MacGillivray contributed substantially to the ornithological descriptions accompanying Audubon's celebrated work Birds of America.

Freeman 2398; Mullens & Swann, pp. 370-371

Condition

5 vols, 8vo, rebound in uniform later brown cloth, gilt titles to spine. Some light spotting/foxing to plates, minor water stain to top edge of plates of Vol. V. A very good set.