LILFORD, Thomas Littleton Powys (1833-1896). Coloured Figures of the Birds of the British Islands. London: R.H. Porter, 1885-1897 [but -1898].
The first edition of an important bird book, which “establish[ed] a new standard of excellence” (Radclyffe). Some of the finest nature illustrators of their day, including J. G. Keulemans and Archibald Thorburn—both praised for the accuracy and detail of their work—provided the plates. The author, Lilford, founded the British Ornithologists’ Union and maintained an extensive aviary at his estate, Lilford Hall. The book was published in two semi-simultaneous issues, each of 36 parts, between 1885-1897 and 1891-1897 respectively. Anker 308; Fine Birds Books p. 91; Nissen IVB 563 and p.65. See Howard Radclyffe, “Notes on Lord Lilford’s Coloured Figures of the Birds of the British Islands.”
Seven volumes, octavo (251 x 175mm). Photogravure portrait and 421 hand-colored lithographs and chromolithographs (occasional light spotting, touching a few plates). Publisher’s half morocco, top edge gilt (some fading).
LILFORD, Thomas Littleton Powys (1833-1896). Coloured Figures of the Birds of the British Islands. London: R.H. Porter, 1885-1897 [but -1898].
The first edition of an important bird book, which “establish[ed] a new standard of excellence” (Radclyffe). Some of the finest nature illustrators of their day, including J. G. Keulemans and Archibald Thorburn—both praised for the accuracy and detail of their work—provided the plates. The author, Lilford, founded the British Ornithologists’ Union and maintained an extensive aviary at his estate, Lilford Hall. The book was published in two semi-simultaneous issues, each of 36 parts, between 1885-1897 and 1891-1897 respectively. Anker 308; Fine Birds Books p. 91; Nissen IVB 563 and p.65. See Howard Radclyffe, “Notes on Lord Lilford’s Coloured Figures of the Birds of the British Islands.”
Seven volumes, octavo (251 x 175mm). Photogravure portrait and 421 hand-colored lithographs and chromolithographs (occasional light spotting, touching a few plates). Publisher’s half morocco, top edge gilt (some fading).
![LILFORD, Thomas Littleton Powys (1833-1896). Coloured Figures of the Birds of the British Islands. London: R.H. Porter, 1885-1897 [but -1898].](/lot-images/6173090/2018/NYR/2018_NYR_16392_0030_000(lilford_thomas_littleton_powys_coloured_figures_of_the_birds_of_the_br092810).jpg?maxwidth=3840)