Olina, Uccelliera, Rome, 1622, modern morocco

Giovanni Pietro Olina

Uccelliera overo discorso della natura e proprieta di diversi uccelli e in particolare di que' che cantano, con il modo di prendergli, conoscergli, allevargli e mantenergli. Rome: Andrea Fei, 1622

4to (252 x 180mm.), engraved arms on title, 66 full-page engraved illustrations after Tempesta and Villamena, woodcut initials, head and tail-pieces, modern brown morocco gilt, title-page spotted, leaves toned

FIRST EDITION of "one of the earliest works with engraved plates representing birds" (Anker), including one of the first depictions of a canary. The work mainly concentrates on cage birds, but is also of interest for different methods of hunting, catching and keeping birds, along with a recipe for bird food. It was influential on later ornithological writers such as Francis Willughby.

LITERATURE:

USTC 4007772; Nissen IVB 693

PROVENANCE:

Giulia Matteucci prestato a Sofia Fanelli, later inscription at head of title-page