Latham, John.

Estimate

1,000 - 1,500 GBP

bidding is closed

Description

A General History of Birds. Winchester: Jacob and Johnson, for the author, 1821-1828
paper

Second edition, 11 volumes including separately-bound index, 4to (282 x 222mm.), dedication leaf, list of subscribers, 193 hand-coloured engraved plates, original grey boards, spines with printed labels, uncut, some foxing, browning and offsetting, sometimes pronounced, binding with chips and wear to extremities, especially spine ends

Provenance

Sir Joseph Radcliffe, 1st Bt., Rudding Park, Yorkshire (1744-1819), engraved armorial bookplate; Frederick, 2nd Lord Hesketh, bookplate

Literature

Fine Bird Books, p.87; Nissen ZBI 532; Zimmer, pp.376-377

Catalogue Note

A revised and expanded edition. "Latham's works depended heavily on personal observation of the collections of specimens accessible to him; his connections were such that he was in an excellent position to study both native and foreign birds. His works featured a large number of exotic birds from all over the world, including specimens from India, Australia, and the Pacific. On 25 May 1775 Latham was elected FRS, at which time Sir Joseph Banks (1743-1820), was president of the society. Banks provided Latham with a further supply of specimens and material, indeed some of the collection housed at the Royal Society's museum was gathered during Banks's voyage with Captain James Cook (1728-1779). Banks also allowed Latham access to the various paintings made during the Cook voyages (1768-71, 1772-5, 1776-80)" (ODNB).