Levaillant, François.

First edition, 6 volumes, 4to (332 x 245mm.), dedication leaf, 300 hand-coloured engraved plates, contemporary French straight-grained blue morocco tooled in gilt and blind, covers with double fillet and wide foliate borders gilt around a similar border in blind, framing a foliate lozenge and wreath with a central eagle motif, spine tooled gilt with similar motif, gilt edges, occasional spotting and browning, often marginal, vol.1 I3 with paper flaw not affecting text, some wear and abrasion to binding

Sir Joseph Radcliffe, 1st Bt., Rudding Park, Yorkshire (1744-1819), engraved armorial bookplate; Frederick, 2nd Lord Hesketh, bookplate

Anker 297; Nissen IVB 555; Zimmer, p. 391; Ronsil 1780

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

François Levaillant (1753-1824), was one of France's foremost explorers and ornithologists. He was opposed to Linnaean nomenclature, and would only name the new species he discovered in French.

"Levaillant's most prominent work... it gives a comprehensive account of the birds of South Africa, based on Levaillant's personal experience and the collections he made during his journeys in that region" (Anker).