Gould, John

First edition, 5 volumes, folio (550 x 367mm.), dedication leaf, list of subscribers, lists of plates, 367 hand-coloured lithographed plates from drawings by Gould, Joseph Wolf, H.C. Richter and W. Hart, mostly lithographed by Richter and Hart, contemporary green half morocco gilt, arms of Signet Library gilt on covers, gilt edges, vol.1 text block cracked at last plate, some abrasions to the bindings

Society of Writers to Her Majesty's Signet, arms on covers

Fine Bird Books, p.102; Nissen IVB 371; Sauer 23; Wood, p.365; Zimmer, p.261

"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

"Such beautiful illustrations as those of the Birds of Great Britain scarcely existed before and are not likely to be surpassed" (R. Bowdler Sharpe).

The work was issued in twenty-five parts and from the outset was well received, as was reflected in the unusually large number of subscribers. Gould stresses its difference from the earlier Birds of Europe in the treatment of the illustrations, the inclusion of figures of young birds and nests, and the more extensive text. In his preface, Gould commented on the colouring of the plates: "Many of the public are quite unaware how the colouring of these large plates is accomplished; and not a few believe that they are produced by some mechanical process or by chromo-lithography. This, however, is not the case; every sky with its varied tints and every feather of each bird were coloured by hand; and when it is considered that nearly two hundred and eighty thousand illustrations in the present work have been so treated, it will most likely cause some astonishment to those who give the subject a thought". Elsewhere he remarked upon employing "almost all the colourists in London".