Birds LA001 - Latham A General Synopsis of Birds

Latham, John (1740-1837) 

A General Synopsis of Birds. London: for White, and Leigh and Sotheby 1781-1801. 10 volumes, small quarto (236x187mm) with 8 etched titles with hand- coloured vignettes and 142 hand-coloured etched plates by and after the author. The two supplement volumes are included.


 







 


 


A fine set of the first edition in a handsome contemporary tree calf binding, spines gilt, with red and green morocco labels lettered in gilt. Vols IV, VI and VII have been expertly rebacked. Occasional light spotting and some browning as is often the case with this work. “Known as the ‘grandfather’ of Australian ornithology, he was the first to describe, and to name scientifically, a large number of Australian birds. He drew all the plates for the general synopsis…himself, most from his own sketches, but later his daughter (Ann) made drawings and paintings for him…” [Ref. Whittel, The Literature of Australian Birds, pp409-410]

Price AUD: $30,000.00 (Price includes books only. The book stand is not for sale)

Full condition report available on request.
To purchase please call Full Circle on
(03)9819 4042 or email us.

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