1797-1804 2Vols A History of British Birds Thomas Bewick Illustrated First Ed...

Description: Click here to see our other books! A History of British Birds Ralph Beilby; Thomas Bewick 1797-1804 Edward Walker, T. Bewick; Hodgson, Beilby, Bewick; G.G. and J. Robinson : Newcastle 6" by 6" [3], iv-xxx [1], 2-335 [1]; 400pp SUMMARY The two volume first edition of Thomas Bewick's celebrated work of ornithology and natural history. First Edition,Illustrated,Leather Binding Overall Condition: Good This book weighs 1.5 KG when packed UK Postage: £ 3.99 US Postage: £ 23.99 EU Postage: £ 18.99 European Postage: £ 19.99 Asia Postage: £ 31.99 Worldwide Postage: £ 32.99 DESCRIPTION The two volume first edition of this work.With volume I published in 1797 and examining land birds, and volume II published in 1804 and examining water birds. Volume I is present in the first edition, being Roscoe 14d, with the advert to the final leaf being for the third edition of Quadrupeds. Volume I was issued simultaneously in four paper sizes. Volume II is also a first edition, Roscoe 17d. Illustrated throughout both volumes with engraved head and tail-pieces by Bewick.This work is admired for the beauty of Bewick's wood-engravings, which are widely considered his finest work, and among the finest in that medium. The text of volume I was the work of Ralph Beilby, with Bewick taking over in volume II.The vignette to volume I page 285 is here not censored and inked over, as sometimes found. A supplementary volume was later published in 1821, and is not present here.With the bookplate of Sir Warwick Morshead to the front pastedowns. With a partially present loosely inserted letter, dated 1903 and addressed to 'my dear Edith', and presenting her 'a first edition of Bewick's Birds with our best love for xmas'.Wordsworth praised Bewick with: 'Oh now that the genius of Bewick were mine, And the skill which he learned on the banks of the Tyne'. CONDITION In full calf bindings. Rubbing to back strips, and rear joints. Front and rear joints of volume I starting and somewhat tender to the tails. Tails of volume II joints starting, but firmly held. Armorial bookplates to front pastedowns. Internally, firmly bound. Spotting to endpapers and first and last few leaves of each volume. Light worming to tail of pages 107-400 of volume II, not affecting text. Overall Condition: Good GLOSSARY OF TERMS Overall Condition (Dustwrapper condition rating is shown after that for the book itself, where a dustwrapper is present) Fine - Very well preserved copy showing very little wear Very Good Indeed - Only one or two minor faults, really a very attractive copy Very Good - Quite a wide term meaning no major faults but probably several smaller ones often expected given the age of the book, but still a respectable copy Good - Meaning not very good. Some more serious faults as will be described in the condition report under 'condition' Good Only - Meaning one or more faults that could really do with repair Fair - As with good only above but with other faults leaving a compromised copy even after repair Poor - Really bad and possibly seriously incomplete. We only sell books in this condition where their rarity or value makes them attractive none the less. Major defects will be described. GUARANTEE We offer a full money back guarantee on our descriptions. Please ask for details and conditions. We prefer PAYPAL. If you pay via PAYPAL we will post the item off the same or the next working day with the postage you have selected. Please note we cannot accept USD cheques

Price: 1005.75 GBP

Location: Bath

End Time: 2025-01-04T00:46:52.000Z

Shipping Cost: 30.44 GBP