Lot 2057
  • 2057

JOHN JAMES AUDUBON. THE BIRDS OF AMERICA...NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA:1840-1844

Estimate
25,000 - 35,000 USD
Log in to view results
bidding is closed

Description

  • The Birds Of America, From Drawings Made In The United States And Their Territories. New York: J. J. Audubon, Philadelphia: J. B. Chevalier, 1840-1844
7 vols., 8vo (10 6/8 x 6 3/4 in.; 278 x 175 mm). 500 handcolored lithographed plates after Audubon by W. E. Hitchcock, R. Trembly, and others, printed and colored by J. T. Bowen, numerous wood-engraved text illustrations, half-titles, and list of subscribers in each volume; joints rubbed, Vol I spine detached, front cover Vol VII partly peeled. Scattered foxing and offsetting, Doris Duke copy with Philip Hamond Bookplate.

Provenance

Sold Christie's New York 3 June 2004, lot 284

Literature

Ayer/Zimmer, p. 22; Nissen 51; Reese, American Color Plate Books 34; Sabin 2364; cf. Tyler, Audubon's Great National Work

Catalogue Note

first octavo edition. After completing the double-elephant folio edition at great expense in England, Audubon returned to the United States and used the Philadelphia firm of Bowen to produce a more profitable octavo version under the supervision of his sons. It enjoyed a tremendous success and established his reputation. The octavo edition adds 65 new images to the original plate count of the double-elephant folio.