Travel, Atlases, Maps and Natural History

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View full screen - View 1 of Lot 32. George Ernest Shelley | A monograph of the nectariniidae, 1876-1880, fine copy from the library of Lord Lilford.

George Ernest Shelley | A monograph of the nectariniidae, 1876-1880, fine copy from the library of Lord Lilford

Lot Closed

May 13, 01:38 PM GMT

Estimate

5,000 - 7,000 GBP

Lot Details

Description

George Ernest Shelley


A monograph of the nectariniidae, or family of sun-birds. London: published by the author, 1876-1880


FIRST EDITION, 4to (314 x 240mm.), dedication leaf, list of plates, 121 hand-coloured lithographed plates by and after J.G. Keulemans, contemporary red morocco gilt, covers with wide border gilt composed of fillets and leafy and floral sprays, spine gilt in compartments, gilt turn-ins and edges


A FINE COPY FROM THE LIBRARY OF LORD LILFORD.


Only 250 copies of this handsome monograph were printed. Shelley, a nephew of the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, made several trips to Africa, where this family of birds is found. The author also stresses the importance of the book’s illustrator:


"The illustrations which form such an important portion of my Monograph, have all been executed by Mr. Keulemans, whose name is sufficient guarantee for the accuracy of the details and for high artistic skill. The latter is rendered perhaps more striking from his being acquainted with this family of birds in their native haunts; and his notes upon the sun-birds inhabiting Prince's Island have been incorporated in my work".


LITERATURE:

Fine Bird Books, p.108; Nissen IVB 873


PROVENANCE:

Thomas Powys, 4th Baron Lilford (1833–1896), monogram gilt at foot of spine

Thomas Powys, 4th Baron Lilford (1833–1896), monogram gilt at foot of spine
Fine Bird Books, p.108; Nissen IVB 873