A History of the Birds of New Zealand.

Buller, Walter Lawry.

Published by John Van Voorst, LONDON, 1873

About this Item

FIRST EDITION, Limited to 500 copies. QUARTO (320 x 255mm). xxiii, [1] 384 pp. 2pp. prospectus and 6pp. list of subscribers [including Charles Darwin] at beginning, 4pp. of "extracts from reviews" and 1p. prospectus for a "proposed series of supplementary plates" at end, [slight spotting]. Tinted lithographic frontispiece depicting a skeleton of a Moa next to a Maori man, [light wear]. THIRTY-FIVE Hand-coloured Plates by Keulemans. Finely Bound later polished half brown calf with raised bands, gilt. marbled endpapers. T.E.G. The first edition, one of only 500 printed. "It has been remarked by a celebrated naturalist that 'New Zealand is the most interesting ornithological province in the world . It has been the author's desire to collect and place on record a complete life-history of these birds before their final extirpation" (prospectus). First issued in five parts, the work was instantly successful, containing what are "often quoted as being Keulemans' finest drawings" (C. Jackson Bird Illustrators p.88). Nissen IVB 163; Wood p. 269; Zimmer p.114. Excellent Copy. Seller Inventory # 1745

Bibliographic Details

Title: A History of the Birds of New Zealand.

Publisher: John Van Voorst, LONDON

Publication Date: 1873

Binding: Hardcover

Condition: Near Fine