Dresser, Henry E.

First edition, 9 volumes (including supplement), 4to (323 x 250mm.), 723 lithographed plates after J.G. Keulemans, Joseph Wolf and E. Neale, including the second plate of the little gull in volume 8, all but 2 coloured by hand, contemporary brown morocco gilt by Ramage (supplement in near uniform binding), top edges gilt, others uncut, [Anker 120; Fine Bird Books, p.72; Nissen IVB 267; Wood p.324; Zimmer p.177], occasional very minor spotting (to perhaps 8 plates), bindings somewhat rubbed

Edward Milner, bookplate. Presumably Edward Milner (1819-1884), the gardener, who was apprenticed to Joseph Paxton at Chatsworth (see ODNB)

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."

The first complete work on the avifauna of Europe since that of Gould (see lot 15) in which Dresser calculates that he has described (and depicted) 624 species, as opposed to Gould's 449.