Marrin's Bookshop

Synopsis

Mostly editions of, "perhaps the finest and most perfect ornithological iconography" (nissen). this truly magnificent work was issued in 36 parts to subscribers. a brief description of every british species accompanies the beautiful chromolithograph portraits. part 1 was issued in october 1885, part 36 in january 1898. the majority of the coloured drawings are by thorburn and keulemans while a few are by lodge and foster. the work was not completed at the time of lord lilford's death, when it was undertaken by osbert salvin. thomas littleton powys, 4th baron lilford (1833-1896) was a british aristocrat and ornithologist. lilford was one of the eight founders of the british ornithologists' union in 1858 and its president from 1867 until his death. he was also the first president of the northamptonshire natural history society. his extensive aviary featured birds from around the globe, including rheas, kiwis, pink-headed ducks and a pair of free-flying bearded vultures. the scottish artist thorburn, (1860-1935) was a bird and animal painter, known for his provocative and dramatic backgrounds. it was his commission in 1800's to illustrate lord lilford's coloured figures of the birds of the british isles, for which he painted some 268 watercolors.

Item Description

421 chromolithograph plates, mounted on linen guards by Thorburn and Keulemans. A complete set of the original printed wrappers are preserved at the end of each volume. Seven Fine Half Leather Bindings by Bumpus Ltd Oxford St. London. With green morocco spines faded to brown,green buckram boards. Internally hinges good condition all secure. Paste downs good condition marbled. End papers good condition marbled, (occasional mostly marginal spotting). THIS IS A HEAVY SET WHICH WILL INCUR SHIPPING COSTS ABOVE THE DEFAULT RATE QUOTED BY ABE, ESPECIALLY OUTSIDE THE UK. PLEASE CONTACT US DIRECTLY IF YOU WOULD LIKE A QUOTATION FOR POSTAGE BEFORE ORDERING.