Walcott, John

FIRST EDITION, THE AUTHOR’S COPY, 2 volumes bound in one, 4to (211 x 175mm.), 255 half-page etched plates by Peter Mazell, COLOURED BY HAND, contemporary half calf, printer's crease on f.162, a few leaves with slight dampstaining, neatly rebacked retaining original spine

J. Walcott, engraved armorial bookplate; W.H. Mullens, bookplate; Frank Charles Minoprio, bookplate; Hugh Fattorini, bookplate

Jackson, Bird Etchings, pp.148-156; Mullens and Swan, p.607; Nissen ZBI 966; Zimmer, p.660 

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 AUTHOR’S COPY, WITH RARE HAND-COLOURING. Walcott (1754/5-1831) was a west-country naturalist and artist. His watercolours are preserved at Yale University Library.

“The book is now very scarce… Edward Donovan, the nineteenth-century naturalist and author, stated that the work was then already scarce when he wished to purchase it (he died in 1837)” (Jackson, Bird Etchings).

“The work is very rare with the plates coloured” (Mullens and Swann; Mullens was a previous owner of this copy and specifically mentions it in his Bibliography of British Ornithology).