A History of British Birds

6 volumes.

Second edition, revised with seven extra plates.

Royal octavo original green cloth with elaborate

decoration to spine and gilt vignettes on upper cover.

365 beautiful hand-coloured plates with plate-guards.

Volume I.

xii, 303 pages + 60 plates.

Volume II.

iv, 263 pages + 61 plates.

Volume III.

iv, 272 pages + 56 plates.

Volume IV.

iv, 264 pages + 63 plates.

Volume V.

iv, 247 pages + 65 plates.

Volume VI.

iv, 225 pages + 60 plates.

Benjamin Fawcett was one of the finest wood-block colour printers in England during the

nineteenth century. He was known for his attention to detail and engraved every one of

the 365 wood-blocks from pear/boxwood used in this remarkable and beautiful work. He made

all the inks from the most expensive powders and varnishes, making this work without parallel

in the publishing world.  His colour printing revolutionised the world of ornithology and

replaced the monochrome plates previously associated with Thomas Bewick. His principle

artist-illustrator was Alexander Francis Lydon though previously his wife Mary Anne undertook

the task of colouring the plates.

Recorded shipping weight 9000g.

Shipped and insured by recorded delivery.