WILSON, Alexander (1766-1813). American Ornithology; or, The Natural History of the Birds of the United States. Philadelphia: Bradford and Inskeep, 1808-1814. 9 volumes (13 4/8 x 10 inches). 7-page subscriber's list at end. 76 engraved plates after Wilson by Alexander Lawson, G. Murray, Benjamin Tanner and J.G. Warnicke with contemporary hand-colour . 19th century half red morocco by N.G. Hawley of Rochester, N.Y. Provenance: Armorial bookplate of A.J. Porier on each front paste-down. First edition, first issue with the Preface dated October 1st and the sentence beginning on line 23 on page 33 "Tho it is believed."

Some occasionally heavy browning, spotting and oxidization as usual, some marginal tears with minor loss to text leaves, a few pale marginal dampstains. Extremities a bit scuffed with some small surface tears to morocco.