Ornithologiae Libri Tres:In Quibus Aves Ombnes Hactenus Cognitae, in Methodum Naturis Suis Convenientem Redactae, Accurate Describunture: Descriptiones Iconibus Elegantiffimis et Vivarum Avium Sinillimis, Aeri Insifis Illuftranture
Londoni: Joannis Martyn, (printer to the Royal Society), 1676. First Edition. Folio. Item #023936
First issue, with title page printed entirely in black. The true first printing, predating the more common red-and-black issue. Illustrated after Francis Barlow, with additional plates by F. H. van Houe, W. Faithorne, and W. Sherwin. Without the later-added words Sumptus in Chaleographios fecit, illustriss. D. Emma Willughby, Vidus, the engraved Coat-of-Arms, or the Imprimatur. (307) pp., (5) pp., (2) pp. tables and index; 77 full-page copperplate engravings of birds in black and white. Bound in later paneled calf, raised bands, gilt-lettered compartments, upper board skillfully reattached. Red marbled edges; internally clean and fresh, with minor pencil bibliographical notes on pastedowns and a small repair to the upper corner of the front free endpaper. A landmark in ornithology representing the first systematic classification of the world's birds. Willughby, one of the foremost early ornithologists, worked in close partnership with John Ray, who edited and published the work after Willughby's death at 37. Exceedingly rare: [Mullens & Swan p. 651; OCLC locates only two copies in Copenhagen (Accession No. 488524599).] One copy currently for sale.
Price: $21,500.00