Antiquarian Auctions

Auction #128 begins on 15 Jan 2026

G. E. Shelley (text), Henrik Gronvold (paintings)

THE BIRDS OF AFRICA - Comprising All The Species Which Occur In The Ethiopian Region (1896-1905)

Volumes I-IV with 42 Exquisite Hand Coloured plates

Published: R. H. Porter, London, 1896-1905

Edition: First Edition

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Publisher's original red cloth bindings with gilt titles to spines.

Volumes 1 to 4 of a set originally comprising 5 volumes.

This set was completed by vol. 5 in 2 parts (1906-1912) which included plates 43-57. The second part of vol. 5 was completed and edited by W. L. Sclater from the author's notes after his death.

"References to South Africa throughout the work." - South African Bibliography

Vols. I-IV contain 42 Exquisite hand coloured plates by Danish naturalist and artist Henrik Gronvold (1858-1940). These plates are an exhibition of his art.

The author, Captain George Ernest Shelley (1840-1910) was an English geologist and ornithologist. He had quite the literary pedigree as his uncle was the English Romantic poet who wrote the famous poem Ozymandias and his aunt wrote a classic Gothic horror novel about a monster brought to life by a bolt of electricity.

Volume I: Published in 1896. Check-list of species. 196pp

Volume II: Published in 1900. 14 plates. 348pp.

Volume III: Published in 1902. 14 plates. 276pp.

Volume IV: Published in 1905. Part I with 7 plates and 287pp. Part II with 7 plates and, with continuous pagination from Part I, ends at page 511.

Overall a very well looked after set with solid bindings and clean text.

(Please see lot #425 for an original bird illustration by Henrik Gronvold)

  • Binding Condition: Very Good Plus
  • Overall Condition: Very Good Plus
  • Size: 4to.
  • Sold By: Rare Paper
  • Contact Person: Armandt Marais
  • Country: South Africa
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Telephone: 0741235861
  • Preferred Payment Methods: EFT, Bank Deposit. For International Customers: Paypal with 6% surcharge, International Transfer
  • Trade Associations: A. A. Approved


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