Audebert, Jean Baptiste and Louis Jean Pierre Vieillot.

First edition, 2 volumes, large 4to (332 x 242mm.), half titles, 190 etched plates, printed in colours and finished by hand, captions printed in black, contemporary tree calf gilt, covers with roll-tooled borders gilt of interlocking circles, flat spines gilt with red and green morocco lettering-pieces, gilt edges, [Anker 14; Fine Bird Books, p.56; Nissen IVB 47]

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"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."

A fine copy. "The colours of the birds and their handsome appearance have evidently been the cause of their selection for inclusion in the book. The plates with the bird portraits are in beautiful colours; in this respect they are among the best colour prints found in ornithology" (Anker). This copy has a different pagination to that given in the bibliographies: vol.1: [4], 156, 8, 38; vol.2: [4], 164, 56.