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The Poetry of Birds, Selected from Various Authors; with Coloured Illustrations by a Lady

by [Rathbone, Hannah Mary]

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Collection : A fine ornithological and natural history library
Publisher : George Smith
Published In : Liverpool
Illustrations : 21 hand-col plates

Description:

First edition. An anthology of poetry about birds, featuring poems by Shakespeare, Milton, Byron, Wordsworth, Coleridge, Walter Scott, and many others. Accompanied by 21 exquisite miniature-style hand-coloured illustrations by Hannah Mary Rathbone (1798-1878), English artist and writer. Audubon, who was a friend of the Rathbone family, wrote in his journal (26th July, 1826) that Hannah's drawings showed that 'talent has put an undeniable stamp on each touch.'

Mullens & Swann p. 485; Nissen IVB 756. Bibliographies erroneously call for 22 plates.

Condition

4to, contemporary straight-grained green morocco, elaborate gilt design to centre and corners, some wear and scuffing, rebacked and recornered in green calf. All edges gilt. Previous owner's name to front endpaper. One of the tissue guards torn. Occasional minor foxing. A few light marks. Illustrations bright and vivid. A very pleasing copy.