Publisher: | Newcastle-upon-Tyne.: T Bewick; Longman & Rees. | Edition: | First Edition; Published Date: 1804 | Illustrations: | 261 figures of birds & 262 vignettes. | Dimensions: | 220 x 140 mm (9 x 6 inches)4to - xx, 400pp. | Appearance: | Brown hardback half-leather cover with marbled boards. | Condition: | G: in good condition. Cover rubbed and marked. Edge-wear. Spine faded, with slight loss to top end. Previous owners inscriptions to fep and title. Sporadic light foxing. Occasional pencil inscriptions and light marking. |
The history of modern bird illustration really begins with the fine wood-engravings of Thomas Bewick and this History of British Birds. The first volume, 'Land Birds' , appeared in 1797 and the second, 'Water Birds' in 1804. Bewick was not really an ornithologist and the text is of little importance - indeed the text for the first volume was written by Bewick's partner, Ralph Beilby. By the time the second volume was ready, the partnership had dissolved and both engravings and text for 'Water Birds' were by Bewick. The work was an immediate success and eight editions appeared over the following fifty years, Bewick's engravings set a new standard in bird illustration, full of interest and vitality they played a major part in stimulating 19th century interest in ornithology. This matching, two-volume set was published together in 1804.
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