Cassin, John

8vo (10 1/4 x 6 3/4 in.; 259 x 172 mm). 50 hand-colored lithographic plates by William E. Hitchcock; a few stray spots, generally not affecting plates, minor toning. Half morocco over marbled boards, spine with raised bands in six compartments, second and fourth gilt-lettered, others with repeat gilt fleur-de-lis, all edges gilt, marbled endpapers; rebacked to style, extremities rubbed. 

Anker 92; Nissen IVB 173; Zimmer 124

8vo (10 1/4 x 6 3/4 in.; 259 x 172 mm). 50 hand-colored lithographic plates by William E. Hitchcock; a few stray spots, generally not affecting plates, minor toning. Half morocco over marbled boards, spine with raised bands in six compartments, second and fourth gilt-lettered, others with repeat gilt fleur-de-lis, all edges gilt, marbled endpapers; rebacked to style, extremities rubbed.
The lot is sold in the condition it is in at the time of sale. The condition report is provided to assist you with assessing the condition of the lot and is for guidance only. Any reference to condition in the condition report for the lot does not amount to a full description of condition. The images of the lot form part of the condition report for the lot provided by Sotheby's. Certain images of the lot provided online may not accurately reflect the actual condition of the lot. In particular, the online images may represent colours and shades which are different to the lot's actual colour and shades. The condition report for the lot may make reference to particular imperfections of the lot but you should note that the lot may have other faults not expressly referred to in the condition report for the lot or shown in the online images of the lot. The condition report may not refer to all faults, restoration, alteration or adaptation because Sotheby's is not a professional conservator or restorer but rather the condition report is a statement of opinion genuinely held by Sotheby's. For that reason, Sotheby's condition report is not an alternative to taking your own professional advice regarding the condition of the lot.

First edition in book form, originally issued in ten parts from 1853 to 1856. The work aimed to cover the species discovered since the appearance of Audubon's 'Birds of America'. Cassin headed an engraving and lithographing firm in Philadelphia which produced illustrations for government and scientific publications. He pursued ornithology as an amateur, giving his spare time to the Philadelphia Academy of Science which was developing the largest bird specimen collection then in existence. Cassin arranged and catalogued the 26,000 specimens, and published regular reports of the results of his research.