Beschreibung:

BONAPARTE, CHARLES LUCIEN. American Ornithology; or, the Natural History of Birds inhabiting the United States, not given by Wilson. Philadelphia: Samuel Augustus Mitchell [vol. 1]; Carey, Lea & Carey [vols. 2-4] 1825-33. 4 vols. bound in 2, 370 x 280 mm. (14 9/16 x 11 1/16 in.), later nineteenth-century light brown calf, edges sprinkled red, rubbed, a few small gouges or chips to leather, vol. 1 upper inner hinge cracked, very light foxing or spotting to 4 plates, faint offsetting of text to most plates in vols. 2-4, occasional very slight discoloration, plates offset to text, text of vols. 2-4 foxed . FIRST EDITION, PRESENTATION COPY FROM THE AUTHOR TO COUNT CHARLES DE CHÂTILLON, first issue of vol. 1 with the Mitchell imprint, 27 hand-colored engraved plates by Alexander Lawson after Titian R. Peale, Alexander Rider and J. J. Audubon (plate 4, "Great Crow Blackbird"). Bonaparte's first important ornithological publication, intended as a continuation of Wilson's pioneering work (see also lots ). Ayer/Zimmer p. 64-65; Bennet, p. 16; Copenhagen/Anker, p. 47; Ellis/Mengel 312a & b; Fine Bird Books , p. 60; McGill/Wood, p. 247; Nissen IVB 116; Sabin 6264. Provenance : Presentation inscription from the author on vol. 1 title-page of vol. 1: "Offert par l'auteur à Mr. Charles de Chatillon en témoignage d'estime et d'amitié". E. Lindall, pencil inscription on title-page of vol. 3. Dr. Evan Morton Evans (1870-1955) Daniel Webster Evans (1907-1966). (2)