A History of British Birds.

£850 · Offered by Shapero Rare Books

First edition in book form of this classic of ornithological illustration, originally published in sheets between 1837 and 1843. Handsomely bound in blue half morocco with bird tools. Yarrell (1784 – 1856) was a noted English zoologist and one of the original members of the Zoological Society. He took over his father's bookshop and newsagent, but spent his spare time becoming a proficient shooter, angler and collector of specimens. He joined the Royal Institution in 1817, and having published his first zoological work, On the Occurrence of some Rare British Birds , was elected a fellow of the Linnean Society of London in 1825. First edition, 3 vols; 8vo (22.5 x 15 cm); supplement issue bound-in to rear of vol. III, 520 wood-engravings within the text, publisher's advertisement tipped-in at rear of vol. I, occasional minor spot or mark, one or two bumped page edges, else very good; later half black morocco over grey boards, lined in gilt, spine in 6 compartments with gilt lettering and decoration, top edges gilt, gilt ribs, maroon endpapers, ownership bookplate to front pastedown of each volume, abrasion to top rib of vol. I and vol. II, some minor rubbing to extremities, occasional small mark, else a very good set; 528pp, 672pp, 688pp.

• Binding: Hardcover

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