HISTOIRE NATURELLE DES OISEAUX (COMPLETE SET OF 18 VOLUMES)

The Count of Buffon, was a mathematician, cosmologist, and naturalist to the court of Louis XIV. He worked as Keeper at the Jardin du Roi from 1739, which inspired him to survey, research and collate a vast encyclopaedia on natural history – the ground breaking Histoire Naturelle, published in French in 44 volumes between 1749 and 1804, which was the first attempt to systematise knowledge of natural history, geology and anthropology.

The standalone, profusely illustrated 18-volume set of the Natural History of Birds is the world’s first ornithological encyclopedia, providing a detailed description of 18^th century bird species, their physical characteristics, habitats and behaviours.

18 volumes (in-12) with Havana marbled sheepskin boards; 254 plates (pristine and intact) engraved by Pauquet, each with protective tissue.

Ornate spine with gilded fleurons and decorative detail; title head in light red, with “Histoire Naturelle” in gold lettering; title foot in black with “Oiseaux par Buffon” in gold lettering; and marbled boards decorated with a gilt frame design; marbled end papers in teal and pigeon blue.

Vol VII: 3cm vertical hair crack in spine; Vols VIII and XVI: minor foxing.

Boards and book block (interior pages): Good