Ornithologia Danmoniensis: or, an History of the Habits and Economy of Devonshire Birds

Description:

First edition. Very rare. The first work devoted to the avifauna of a single English county. The complete published portion, comprising Number I & II (all published of a projected 24 parts), with 7 engraved plates, the first six present in both uncoloured and hand-coloured states, and the seventh present uncoloured only. Also with the title-page for Volume I and dedication leaf.

Originally projected as a two-volume work to be issued in 24 parts, publication ceased after Numbers I & II, leaving the Introduction abruptly ending at p. 88. Plates were issued in two states, with coloured plates offered at 7s, and uncoloured plates at 5s. Though incomplete, 'the two parts shew the author to have been a physiologist, anatomist, and outdoor observer far beyond most men of his time' (Newton, Dict. Birds, Introduction, p. 44). Andrew Griffin Coard Tucker, LL.D. (1778-1832) was a distinguished solicitor, who wrote numerous legal tracts, published in Ashburton and Exeter, in the 1810s and 1820s, but his most important and enduring publication is Ornithologia Danmoniensis. The engravings for this work are by W. R. Jordan. The hand-coloured plates are very fine 'made under the eye and correction of the author'. The plates are titled as follows: The Redback'd Shrike, The Sparrow Hawk, The Woodlark, The Green Woodpecker, The Yellow Wagtail, The Young Hen Harrier, The Female Sparrow Hawk. As usually encountered, the first six plates are present in both coloured and uncoloured states, while The Female Sparrow Hawk is present only in the uncoloured state.

Mullens & Swann pp 590-1; Wood p. 603.

Condition

2 parts, 4to (305x247mm), original printed wrappers. Part I with original stitching broken; corresponding stab marks to inner edge of the wrappers, title page, dedication, text leaves (pp i-xl) and 3 of the uncoloured plates indicate that these comprised the contents of this part. Part II unbound (without stitching), containing the remaining text (pp. xli–lxxxviii), four uncoloured plates, and six hand-coloured plates. Wrappers to Part I edge-worn and detached. Some foxing and offsetting throughout, with a few faint old marginal stains and occasional short tears. The hand-coloured plates remain bright, fresh, and clean.