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SWAINSON, William (1789-1855). Zoological Illustra

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London: 1820-1823, 1829-1832. 5 volumes only (of 6: [first series], vols. I-III and second series, vols. I-II only of 3), 8vo (230 x 142 mm). Addenda/errata leaf at the end of each of the first three volumes. 273 (182 + 91) hand-coloured lithographic plates by Swainson. Contemporary green half morocco over marbled paper-covered boards, spines in six compartments with raised bands, the bands highlighted in gilt, lettered in the second and fourth compartments, marbled endpapers, gilt edges. Condition: occasional spotting and light browning, heavier to about four plates, occasional oxidisation of white pigment; first series bindings scuffed and somewhat dry, the second series neatly rebacked with old spines laid down. Provenance: Lynn Abbott Trust. one of the earliest natural history books to be illustrated with lithographed plates. The author's extensive travels in Brazil, the Mediterranean and Europe are all reflected in the choice of subjects for this work, which include many new or very rare species. In total the first five volumes contain 108 birds, 113 shells, 2 fish and 49 butterflies and moths. Cf. Fine Bird Books (1990) p.146; cf. Christine Jackson Lithography pp.25-31; cf. Nissen IVB 911; cf. Wood p.588; cf. Zimmer II, p.612.(5)

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