A Natural History of Uncommon Birds,

£27,500 · Offered by Shapero Rare Books

a superb set 'one of the most important of all bird books, both as a fine bird book and a work of ornithology' (Fine Bird Books). A handsome set in contemporary straight-grain morocco, from the library of MP Richard Henry Alexander Bennett (1743-1814), with his bookplates. 'Though issued separately, they [Natural History and Gleanings] are considered as one and either must rank as imperfect without the other... At its date of issue, the Natural History and Gleanings was one of the most important of all bird Books, both as a Fine Bird Book and a work of Ornithology. It is still high on each list...' (Sitwell). George Edwards (1694-1773), a talented natural history artist, became librarian at the College of Physicians through the good offices of Sir Hans Sloane, who also employed him to draw the curiosities in his private museum. This provided him with both a steady income and plenty of time (his tasks not being very onerous), to pursue his own interests whilst surrounded by volumes on natural history. Edwards had a large circle of friends with an interest in science and he drew and painted the natural history objects owned by them. He kept copies of these drawings, and it was as a result of his wishing to see these drawings preserved in some way that he resolved to publish A Natural History of Uncommon Birds. This proved a success, and thus encouraged, Edwards brought out the Gleanings, although this took many years to complete. Amongst the species described, many are from Ind

• Binding: Hardcover

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