Birds in London

Description:

First edition. Illustrated by Bryan Hook and A.D. McCormick, with photographs from nature by R.B. Lodge.

Freeman 1814; Mullens & Swann p. 303; Payne A16a.

Condition

8vo, orig. green cloth, gt ruled border and vignette to front board, spine slightly rubbed and faded, teg. Several paragraphs on 9 pages neatly highlighted with a red pencil line to margin. Vg. With a signed presentation inscription from the author, dated Xmas 1902, to his close friend Linda Gardiner (1861-1941), novelist, ornithologist, long-serving secretary of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (1900–1935), and editor of Bird Notes and News. Hudson was himself a founder member of the RSPB, and Gardiner later edited Rare Vanishing & Lost British Birds (1923), compiled from Hudson’s manuscript notes. In her introduction, she wrote: ‘I knew at least that no one could endeavour more earnestly to carry out his wishes and fulfil his intentions, or could be inspired by a more intense desire to honour his memory.’

A significant association copy, linking Hudson with one of his closest collaborators in the field of bird conservation.