Thomas Bewick: A History of British Birds 2 volumes 1797 and 1804 1st Editions

A History of British Birds is one of the most famous British natural history books. Possibly the greatest ever illustrated book on birds. Engraved throughout by Thomas Bewick and published in two volumes. This is a remarkable set  bound in green polished calf by Bayntun of Bath, the spines impressed with gilded owls and other bird ornaments. 

1st Editions, 1st imprints of both volumes.

Volume 1, "Land Birds", appeared in 1797. Printed by Sol. Hodgson, For Beilby & Bewick: Sold by them and  G, G. & J. Robinson, London. 336 pages. Some light foxing throughout but pages generally remarkably clean and bright. Engravings not affected.

Volume 2, "Water Birds", appeared in 1804. Printed by  Edward Walker, For T. Bewick: Sold by him and Longman and Rees, London. 400 pages. Some light foxing throughout but pages generally remarkably clean and bright. Engravings not affected.

Both volumes 24cms x 15cms. Total weight: 1.8kg

Spines are good, bindings are tight and leather is supple.

The text in "Land Birds" was written by Ralph Beilby, while Bewick took over the text for the second volume. The book is admired mainly for the beauty and clarity of Bewick's wood engravings, which are widely considered his finest work, and among the finest in that medium.

The book was effectively the first "field guide" for non-specialists. Bewick provides an accurate illustration of each species, from life if possible, or from skins. The common and scientific name(s) are listed, citing the naming authorities. The bird is described, with its distribution and behaviour, often with extensive quotations from printed sources or correspondents. Those who provided skins or information are acknowledged. The species are grouped into families such as "Of the Falcon", using the limited and conflicting scientific sources of the time. The families of land birds are further grouped into birds of prey, omnivorous birds, insectivorous birds, and granivorous birds, while the families of water birds are simply listed, with related families side by side.

Each species entry begins on a new page; any spaces at the ends of entries are filled with tail-pieces, small, often humorous woodcuts of country life.

British Birds has been compared to works of poetry and literature. It plays a recurring role in Charlotte Brontë's novel Jane Eyre. William Wordsworth praised Bewick in the first lines of his poem "The Two Thieves": "Oh now that the genius of Bewick were mine, And the skill which he learned on the banks of the Tyne."

A rare chance to obtain a pair of very special books.