DONOVAN, THE NATURAL HISTORY OF BRITISH BIRDS, 1799, 5 VOLUMES

5 volumes, 8vo (234 x 135mm.), half-titles, 123 hand-coloured engraved plates only (of 124), 4pp. advertisements at end of volume 5, contemporary red straight-grained morocco gilt possibly by Staggemeier and Welcher, lacking plate 123, slightly rubbed, small repair to upper cover of volume 1, small nick to spine of volume 2

Edward Berkeley Portman Esq., signatures in ink on each half-title, dated 1800

Nissen IVB 257 ("owing to the irregular and confused fashion in which the parts were issued make no attempt to collate the text")

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."

Re-issue of the original edition published from 1794 to 1819. 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.