Shaw, George and John Frederick Miller

FIRST EDITION, folio (522 x 360mm.), 60 hand-coloured engraved plates, contemporary straight-grained brown morocco gilt, [Fine Bird Books, p.94; Nissen IVB 638, BBI 1377; Stafleu TL2 6033; Wood, p.465; Zimmer, p.585], bookplate of Madelaine Jay, title and first two plates creased with small repairs, occasional spotting, binding rubbed with wear to spine ends

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."

The plates first appeared in 1776-1792 under the title Various subjects of natural history, but this is virtually unknown. The text by Shaw is unique to this 1796 issue. John Frederick Miller, the son of the noted botanical artist John Miller, was employed by Sir Joseph Banks and thus had access to the numerous zoological specimens which Banks constantly received. He painted and etched these subjects, and probably coloured the plates himself as well. The Cimelia is primarily known as an ornithological work, but it also contains a number of important plant portraits, most of which are the first illustrations of the species depicted.