Details
LESSON, Ren Primevre (1794-1849). Histoire naturelle des oiseaux-mouches. Paris: Arthus Bertrand, [1829-1830].
8 (226 x 145mm). Half-title, 86 colour-printed, hand-finished engraved plates by Coutant after A. G. Bvalet, J.-G. Prtre, Mlle. Zo Dumont, Mme. Lesson and A. C. Vauthier, printed by Rmond. (Some spotting and light browning to plates and text.) Contemporary half calf and marbled boards (spine bumped at head, front inner hinges entirely split). Provenance: Halstead Place Library (shelf label); J. F. Symons-Jeune (bookplate).
The first of three works by Lesson on humming-birds. Issued in 17 parts, it is described by Wood as a 'fundamental classic'. Lesson's monographs were the most comprehensive treatment of the Trocholidae until Gould began his monumental work 20 years later. However, Lesson was particularly well qualified for the task since he had studied these tiny birds in their natural habitat during his voyage of circumnavigation in La Coquille. The 86 exquisite plates include four of nests. Anker 291; Fine Bird Books p.89 (*); Nissen IVB 547; Ronsil 1774; Wood p. 433; Zimmer p. 386. (8)
8 (226 x 145mm). Half-title, 86 colour-printed, hand-finished engraved plates by Coutant after A. G. Bvalet, J.-G. Prtre, Mlle. Zo Dumont, Mme. Lesson and A. C. Vauthier, printed by Rmond. (Some spotting and light browning to plates and text.) Contemporary half calf and marbled boards (spine bumped at head, front inner hinges entirely split). Provenance: Halstead Place Library (shelf label); J. F. Symons-Jeune (bookplate).
The first of three works by Lesson on humming-birds. Issued in 17 parts, it is described by Wood as a 'fundamental classic'. Lesson's monographs were the most comprehensive treatment of the Trocholidae until Gould began his monumental work 20 years later. However, Lesson was particularly well qualified for the task since he had studied these tiny birds in their natural habitat during his voyage of circumnavigation in La Coquille. The 86 exquisite plates include four of nests. Anker 291; Fine Bird Books p.89 (*); Nissen IVB 547; Ronsil 1774; Wood p. 433; Zimmer p. 386. (8)