DONOVAN, THE NATURAL HISTORY OF BRITISH BIRDS. LONDON, 1799-1819, 10 VOLUMES

FIRST EDITION, 10 volumes, vol. 1-5 re-issue with new titles, vol. 5-10 first issue, 8vo (230 x 140mm.), half-title in volume 4 only, 244 hand-coloured engraved plates, contemporary marbled calf gilt, marbled edges, occasional light spotting, rebacked retaining original spines (volume 2 rebacked to style), a few minor nicks; sold as a periodical not subject to return

Devon & Exeter Institution, stamp on versos of titles; C. Robert Bignold, armorial bookplate; Hugh Fattorini, bookplate; sale, Christie's, London, 19 October 1999, lot 7

Nissen IVB 257 ("owing to the irregular and confused fashion in which the parts were issued make no attempt to collate the text"); cf. Fine Bird Books, p.72

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, 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 TALL SET, THE BIGNOLD-FATTORINI COPY. Edward Donovan (1768–1837) was an Anglo-Irish writer, illustrator, and amateur zoologist. He was a collector of natural history specimens, and a fellow of the Linnean Society and the Wernerian Society, both giving him access to great collections and libraries in London. Donovan sadly died impoverished leaving a large family destitute. The Natural History of British Birds was issued as a monthly serial in fifty parts.