THE BIRDS OF SOUTHERN AFRICA

The Birds of Southern Africa is the showcase for 176 paintings by the late Claude Gibney Finch-Davies, whose life and the tragic circumstances surrounding his death is described in a brief biography contained in the book. At the time of his death in 1920, this talented artist of world standard had illustrated almost half (380) of the bird species known to occur in southern Africa, completing over 1000 paintings in 30 sketch-books. While the majority of the illustrations appearing in the book have been selected for their technical excellence, several of his earlier works have been included which demonstrate his developing technique.

The text, by Dr. Alan Kemp of the Transvaal Museum, Pretoria, is an authoritative, narrative account of the radiation and diversity of birdlife in southern Africa, dependent on Finch-Davies masterly illustrations to document details of colour and structure. This combination of outstanding artwork and informative text provides a comprehensive reference work on the birdlife of southern Africa.

Hardcover in slipcase, 488 pp.
Standard Subscribers' Limited edition, this copy being #2959/3000, ex-libris Dr. F. Frescura

Condition: text clean, binding firm; the front free endpaper has a vertical patch of foxing adjacent to the flap section, pen dedication on f.f.e.p., dust-jacket very good with light wear at the extremities, and a lightly creased top edge.