Wilson, Alexander

9 vols., folio (13 5/8 x 10 5/8 in.; 346 x 270 mm). 75 (of 76) hand-colored engraved plates after Wilson by A. Lawson, G. Murray, J. G. Warnicke, and B. Tanner, list of subscribers and index; lacking plate 6, imprint of plate 63 shaved, some foxing and offsetting, vol. 6 browned . Publisher's red sheep over marbled boards; vols. 1 and 2 shaken, boards detached, text block split, other vols. quite rubbed.

Ayer/Zimmer 679; Coues 1:609; Fine Bird Books 114; Nissen, IVB 992; Reese, American Color Plate Books 3; Sabin 104597

9 vols., folio (13 5/8 x 10 5/8 in.; 346 x 270 mm). 75 (of 76) hand-colored engraved plates after Wilson by A. Lawson, G. Murray, J. G. Warnicke, and B. Tanner, list of subscribers and general index at end of final vol.; lacking plate 6, imprint of plate 63 shaved, foxing and offsetting, vol. 6 quite browned as well. Publisher's red sheep over marbled boards; vols. 1 and 2 shaken, boards detached, text block split, other vols. quite rubbed.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

First edition of "the first American work to use color plates to convey scientific information, and the first real combination of text and color illustration produced in the United States" (Reese). "Science would lose little, but, on the contrary, would gain much, if every scrap of pre-Wilsonian writing about United States Birds could be annihilated" (Coues).