Gray, John Edward

First edition, 2 volumes bound in one, folio (472 x 320mm.), lithographed portrait of the author by L. Haghe after J. Lucas, dedication leaf, list of subscribers, list of plates, 202 hand-coloured lithographed and engraved plates, by Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins, after G. Morely, Lowry and J. Swaine, contemporary green morocco by J. Wright elaborately tooled gilt, gilt edges, [Anker 197; Fine Bird Books, p.103; Nissen IVB 391; Nissen ZBI 1694; Wood, p.368; Zimmer p.272], preliminaries spotted in both volumes, one or two plates of larger subjects cut close or slightly trimmed (e.g. volume 2 plate 41, this also folded at edge)

Christopher Turnor, Stoke Rochford Library, armorial bookplate; Henry Rogers Broughton, 2nd Baron Fairhaven, armorial bookplate; thence by family descent

"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."

An important contribution to the natural history of the Indian subcontinent, including ninety plates of birds. General Hardwicke spent nearly forty years of service in India, and these illustrations are largely engraved from drawings made on the spot and chiefly from living specimens. Both English and native artists were employed and were under Hardwicke's immediate supervision. The prospectus to the work stated that the edition was to be limited to 250 copies, but the list of subscribers accounts for only 101, forty of whom were directors of the East India Company.