[Doughty, John and Thomas]

The Cabinet of Natural History and Rural Sports. Philadelphia: J. & T. Doughty, 1830–33



3 volumes, 4to (11 x 8 1/2 in.; 279 x 216 mm). Engraved portrait of Charles Willson Peale by J. B. Longacre after Rembrandt Peale, and William Bartram by T. B. Welch after C. W. Peale, 2 (of 3) engraved pictorial titles, 54 hand-colored lithographed plates by T. Doughty and others, 2 uncolored engraved plates, one woodcut plate, woodcut text illustrations; lacks engraved pictorial title in vol. 3, moderate toning and text offsetting to verso of plates, some light text browning in vol. 1, several quires in vol. 2 severely browned, scattered foxing in vol. 3.  Modern quarter calf over brown marbled boards, spines gilt-lettered and ruled, plain endpapers; boards lightly rubbed.

Bennett 35; Gee 132; Henderson Early American Sport 40; Howes D433; Litchfield 19; Phillips 69; Reese American Color Plate Books 12

First edition of the "first major book issued in the United States to be illustrated with hand-colored lithographic plates, preceded only by three minor books in the 1820s" (Reese). It also heralded in an era of printmaking dominated by that process. Published in monthly parts, the Cabinet contains a farrago of travel narratives, sporting accounts, natural history, and practical advice. Publication of the rare third volume was suspended after the fourth number.