A General History of Quadrupeds

Published by S. Hodgson, R. Beilby and T. Bewick, Newcastle Upon Tyne, 1791

  • Hardcover
  • Used
See all details
Item image 1 of 13.

Seller: Rooke Books PBFA, Bath, United KingdomRooke Books PBFA

5-star seller

AbeBooks seller since May 18, 2007

Association member: PBFA

Hardcover

Condition: Used - Very good

£ 1,100.00

£ 21.99 shipping 
Ships from United Kingdom to U.S.A.

Quantity: 1 available

Add to basket
Free 30-day returns

Item description from seller

The second edition of Thomas Bewick's beautifully illustrated work on the mammals of the world. The second edition is much improved and enlarged from the first. Thomas Bewick, 1753-1828, was an English wood engraver and ornithologist. Bewick showed, at a very early age, a talent for drawing. He had no lessons in art. At the age of 14 he was apprenticed to Ralph Beilby, an engraver in Newcastle. In 1775 he received a premium from the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce. In 1776 he became a partner in Beilby's workshop. A General History of Quadrupeds first appeared in 1790. The Quadrupeds deals with mammals of the whole world, and is particularly thorough on some of the domestic animals. It includes bats and seals but does not include whales or dolphins. Bewick was helped by his intimate knowledge of the habits of animals acquired during his constant excursions into the country. Bewick's art is considered the pinnacle of its medium. This is likely due to his methods: Bewick, unlike his predecessors, would carve in harder woods, notably box wood, against the grain, using fine tools normally favoured by metal engravers. This proved to be far superior, and has been the dominant method used since. Ralph Beilby, 1744-1817, was an English engraver, working chiefly on silver and copper. Beilby became a silversmith, jeweller, and seal-engraver under his father and elder brothers. In addition, he became a copper engraver to meet the demand of the then North England market. In 1767 Thomas Bewick was apprenticed to him. The texts in Bewick's A General History of Quadrupeds (1790) and History of British Birds: Land Birds (1797) were drafted by Beilby and revised by Bewick. Collated complete. Expertly rebacked with a morocco spine and contemporary calf boards. Externally, wear to corners and slight rubbing to boards though spine remains smart. Internally, firmly bound. Loss to rear free endpaper. The tails of three pages have been removed and then neatly repaired, not affecting text. There are contemporary copperplate inscriptions to some pages. Generally bright with tidemarks to two front blanks. Some scattered foxing through, though many pages do remain clean. Marks to title page. Very Good.…

Seller Inventory # EXP3-E-8

Bibliographic details

Title
A General History of Quadrupeds
Author
Thomas Bewick; Ralph Beilby
Publisher
S. Hodgson, R. Beilby and T. Bewick, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Publication year
1791
Condition
Very Good
Book Type
book
Binding
Leather
Illustrator
Thomas Bewick
Item weight
1.5 kilograms
Dimensions
9" by 5.5"

Rooke Books PBFA

Bath, United Kingdom

5-star seller

AbeBooks seller since May 18, 2007

Association member:

Shipping rates from United Kingdom to U.S.A.

Item3 to 5 business days2 to 3 business days
First item£ 21.99£ 27.99
Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.

Payment methods

  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • American Express
  • Apple Pay
  • Google Pay
  • Bank Draft
  • Bank Wire Transfer
  • Cash
  • Invoice

Specialty

Antiquarian Books

Association member

  • Provincial Booksellers Fairs Association
Members of these associations are committed to maintaining the highest standards. They vouch for the authenticity of all items offered for sale. They provide expert and detailed descriptions, disclose all significant defects and/or restorations, provide clear and accurate pricing, and operate with fairness and honesty during the purchase experience.

Seller's business information

Thompson Acquisitions Ltd

The Dispensary, 8 Cleveland Pl, 8 Cleveland Place East
Bath, United Kingdom BA1 5DJ