Bonhams 1793 : GOULD (JOHN) The Birds of Europe, 5 vol., 1837

The Birds of Europe, 5 vol., first edition, 448 hand-coloured lithographed plates, the majority drawn by Elizabeth Gould from sketches and designs by her husband, the remainder drawn and lithographed by Edward Lear, list of subscribers and plates, blindstamp on titles and each plate (touching image on a few), contemporary green morocco gilt, g.e., rubbed and scuffed [Nissen IVB 371; Anker 169; Fine Bird Books, p.77; Sauer 2; Wood, p.364; Zimmer p.251], folio (533 x 325mm.) , by the Author, [1832]-1837

Sold for £46,850 inc. premium

Footnotes

In the prospectus to The Birds of Europe Gould notes "Assisted by experienced collectors at all the most favourable localities, it is intended that the artists employed on this work shall have, as far as possible, a constant supply of living or very recently killed birds, a plan which... will at the same time ensure a degree of truth both of character and colouring, which museum specimens, however well preserved, can never supply". Edward Lear accompanied Gould on his numerous trips to the Continent, contributing 67 plates to the work, including many birds of prey, and larger specimens such as swans, cranes, gannets, herons and game birds.

Category: Books / Books, Maps and Manuscripts

Auction terms and conditions