John Townsend, 1839

Vultures of the United States
John Townsend, 1839
TOWNSEND, John K (1809-1851). Ornithology of the United States. Philadelphia: J.B. Chevalier, 1839.

First and only part of a rarity of American ornithologica, with colored plates of vultures by Delorme. Townsend abandoned this project, documenting birds encountered on Nathaniel Wyeth's second expedition, after learning of the forthcoming octavo edition of Audubon—published by the same publisher, J.B. Chevalier, in a strikingly similar wrapper. Townsend sent many of his specimens to Audubon, in whose shadow his fame has languished. Rare at auction, with no copies recorded since the 60s; the Braislin copy is recorded as having a leaf of announcement before the title, not present here. Bennett p. 106.

Octavo (267 x 172mm). Four colored lithographs with tissue guards (spotting and toning). Contemporary printed publisher's wrapper (chipped, spine repaired). Custom chemise and slipcase.

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