Elliot, Daniel Giraud

A Monograph of the Felidæ or Family of Cats.  (London): Published for the subscribers, by the author, 1883



Folio (23 1/2  x 18 1/2  in.; 597 x 470 mm),  43 very fine handcolored lithographed plates after Josef Wolf by J. Smit, printed by M. & N. Hanhart; title lightly foxed, some light marginal spotting, small marginal tear to one text leaf.  Dark purple morocco, spine gilt in seven compartments and with morocco lettering-pieces, covers elaborately gilt, edges gilt, gilt dentelles, marbled endleaves; some rubbing at extremities.   

Lord Braybrooke (armorial bookplate) — sold Sotheby's New York, 26 January 1977, lot 44

McGill/Wood 332; Nissen, ZBI 1279

First edition, originally issued in 11 parts.  One of the finest color-plate works on mammals and a worthy companion to Elliot's series of magnificent ornithological folios.  This definitive monograph of the cat family describes and dramatically illustrated all the species of cat then known. In his preface, Elliot wrote, "Among the Families which constitute the Class Mammalia no more attractive one can be found than that of Felidæ, as it members possess in the highest degree a beauty, both of form and colouring, most gratifying to the eye, and are also endowed with physical strength and weapons of offence not surpassed, and only partially equaled, by any known creatures now living upon the earth.  The Family comprises not only the largest and most ferocious of the beasts of prey, but also the graceful little animal that delights to make its home within man's abode."  He remarks on the superior illustrations, "It is quite unnecessary for me to call attention to the Plates which ornament this volume.  They are worthy of the great artist who produced them, and they bear an enhanced value from the fact that they constitute the last series of drawings from my friend's magical pencil that will be devoted to scientific illustration."