Antiquarian Auctions

Auction #114 begins on 11 Apr 2024

Brown, Leslie

African Birds of Prey (dedicated by author) (1972)

A study of Africa's 89 diurnal raptors and 31 owls

Published: Collins, London, 1972

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Leslie Brown, one of the greatest ornithological writers, photographers and editors of the twentieth century, was born exactly one hundred years ago. 

The difference between the two groups of birds discussed in this book is explained succinctly on the front flap:

  • "Diurnal birds of prey, the falcons, hawks, eagles, vultures, find their prey by sight, sometimes assisted by hearing, and kill it by speed and agility. The nocturnal owls locate their prey by hearing, sometimes assisted by sight, and kill it by stealth."

The contents include the definition and behaviour of birds of prey; African birds of prey; the life of African raptors; and birds of prey and man (fable, fiction and prejudice; and the facts).

The text is enhanced by maps, 18 figures and 13 tables in the text and 12 pp of inserted b/w photographs on art paper.

The author dedicated the book to the owner whose name is on the front free endpaper. 

Matt unclipped dustjacket (2.25 pounds), printed in red and black, tan leather-cloth boards, gilt to the spine, plain endpapers, 320 pp of text and index.

CONDITION. The dustjacket is essentially complete but has a heavily sunned spine as well as chips and unclosed tears. The copy itself is attractive: near-fine, otherwise unmarked except for a very small brown stain at the foot of the front free endpaper, and undiscoloured.

This is for or admirers of Brown without a copy and prepared to discard the dustjacket in favour of the appearance and feel of the book itself.

  • Jacket Condition: Fair to Good
  • Binding Condition: Very Good
  • Overall Condition: Very Good
  • Size: 215 x 145
  • Sold By: Fontein Books
  • Contact Person: Richard Proctor-Sims
  • Country: South Africa
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Telephone: 051 773 0050/048 079 546 4032
  • Preferred Payment Methods: Eft (South Africa), SWIFT (rest of world), or $ checks for US or Australian buyers
  • Trade Associations: AA Approved


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