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Lot Essay
Thorburn's British Birds was originally published in 1915-16 in four volumes. The 84 plates that Thorburn produced were remarkable not only for their high scientific accuracy and the exactness of detail but also for their distinction as works of art. The plates depict 400 birds of the British Isles. Although Thorburn had illustrated a number of books before, this was the first time he had both written and illustrated a book. British Birds was a huge success and 1,000 copies were sold in the first year alone.