Lot Essay
The third editon of the Land Birds and the second edition of the Water Birds were both published in 1805.
Various Properties
THOMAS BEWICK (1753-1828)
Details
THOMAS BEWICK (1753-1828)
A 1p. a.l.s., dated Newcastle 21st November 1804, to an unknown correspondent [? S. Hodgson or R. Beilby, his publishers], thanking him for complimenting his work and for overlooking the 'blemishes or defects' . Stating that he values his opinion highly, Bewick goes on to say that the paper for the 'Second Edition of both volumes, is now ... ready to begin upon, but I am not in any haste for I only want to have these ready by the time that the last volumes may be all sold'. He mentions a list sent 'of the Birds awanting, but however you can know easily by looking at the book see the gaps which want filling up and, at your leisure, I will thankfully receive any Birds you may think proper to entrust to my care.' His son is now helping him with the drawings and he praises his ability 'I think no person living can exceed the minute faithfulness of his portraits -- this encourages me much to proceed, for with his help I hope I shall shortly be able to do a great deal -- I trust his eyes will supply the deficiences of my own, which I have abused by late hours and candlelight in a way that I now repent of' (clean tear at lower margin).
A 1p. a.l.s., dated Newcastle 21st November 1804, to an unknown correspondent [? S. Hodgson or R. Beilby, his publishers], thanking him for complimenting his work and for overlooking the 'blemishes or defects' . Stating that he values his opinion highly, Bewick goes on to say that the paper for the 'Second Edition of both volumes, is now ... ready to begin upon, but I am not in any haste for I only want to have these ready by the time that the last volumes may be all sold'. He mentions a list sent 'of the Birds awanting, but however you can know easily by looking at the book see the gaps which want filling up and, at your leisure, I will thankfully receive any Birds you may think proper to entrust to my care.' His son is now helping him with the drawings and he praises his ability 'I think no person living can exceed the minute faithfulness of his portraits -- this encourages me much to proceed, for with his help I hope I shall shortly be able to do a great deal -- I trust his eyes will supply the deficiences of my own, which I have abused by late hours and candlelight in a way that I now repent of' (clean tear at lower margin).