Mark Catesby's Natural History of America: Watercolours from the Royal Library, Windsor Castle - Hardcover

McBurney, Henrietta

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1858940389 ISBN 13: 9781858940380

Publisher: Merrell Publishers Ltd, 1997

Synopsis

The Natural History, the life work of the English naturalist and artist Mark Catesby (1682-1749), the most important precursor of Audubon, was twenty years in the making, from 1729 to 1749. It was the first comprehensive study of the flora and fauna of the eastern seaboard of North America, and its beautifully finished, often striking images remained an indispensable reference source throughout the century of its publication. Published here for the first time are the original watercolors from which Catesby prepared the etchings which accompanied his published volumes. Having been stored away from the light between the pages of a unique copy of the book in the Royal Library at Windsor, which King George III bought in 1768, they are wonderfully fresh, and communicate all the enthusiasm of the pioneer naturalist amazed by the colors and variety of the new species of birds, fish, mammals, reptiles, insects and plants he was documenting (some of them now extinct). The watercolors have recently undergone conservation at the Royal Library and selections are being exhibited at several international venues. The conservation has brought to light many new drawings illustrating Catesby's working methods, and Henrietta McBurney's research sheds valuable new light on Catesby and the composition of his epochal Natural History.

About this title

From the Publisher:

Excellent reviews!
"A delightful picture of American wildlife...a beautifully produced and modestly priced volume." -The Nauturalist

"Exuberant" -The New York Times

"...contains more than 50 plates. Each of them excellently reflects the brilliant color of the originals." -Choice

"Glorious" - Country Life

Synopsis:

The Natural History , the life work of the English naturalist and artist Mark Catesby (1682-1749), the most important precursor of Audubon, was the first comprehensive study of the flora and fauna of the eastern seaboard of North America. Published here for the first time are the original watercolors from which Catesby prepared the etchings which a

About this edition

• Publisher: Merrell Publishers Ltd
• Publication date: 1997
• ISBN 10: 1858940389
• ISBN 13: 9781858940380
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 168