An Introduction to the Trochilidae, or Family of Humming-Birds

Description:

The octavo version of the text Introduction to John Gould's A Monograph of the Trochilidae, or family of Humming-birds (published in 5 volumes between 1849 and 1861). Rare.

'As the Introduction to my "Monograph of the Trochilidae" involved so much intricate and laborious investigation, particularly with regard to the synonymy of the various species, I have been induced to have it set up in octavo for the facility of correction. From this draft, as it were, it has been reprinted in large type for the folio work. Believing that in its present form it might be interesting and useful to many of my scientific friends and others, I have had a limited number of copies printed for distribution among them.' - Author's Notice.

Nissen IVB 380.

Condition

8vo (220x140mm), near cont. half calf, raised bands to spine, leather title-piece, gilt title to front board. Cracked between half-title and title, but binding still firm. Inscribed to half-title, 'with the kind regards of the Author, 15th Oct. 1861', the original recipient's name excised, with neat paper restoration. The name 'J.H. Gurney jnr 1870' has been added above the inscription. The half-title is almost detached. John Henry Gurney [Jun.] (1848-1922) was a British ornithologist (from Norfolk), and author of a monograph on the gannet (1913), as well as contributing many papers to journals such as The Ibis and The Zoologist. Book plate of the Norfolk and Norwich Naturalists' Society.