Temminck, Coenraad Jacob and Meiffren Laugier de Chartrouse

FIRST EDITION, 10 volumes (6 text, 4 plates), 4to (text 360 x 266mm.; plates 326 x 234mm.), half-titles, 600 hand-coloured engraved plates by and after Nicolas Huet and J.G. Prêtre, 4 folding, maroon half morocco by Sangorski and Sutcliffe for Bernard Quaritch

North Devon Athenaeum, inkstamps

Anker 503; Fine Bird Books, p.111; Nissen IVB 932; Wood, p.593 ("remarkable colored illustrations"); Zimmer, pp.626-628

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."

Temminck’s monumental work is in many ways a continuation of Buffon's Histoire naturelle des oiseaux (1770-1786). Although the work is listed under joint authorship, Temminck seems to have contributed most, but many of the specimens pictured are from Laugier de Chartrouse's collection. Not least because of this huge work, Temminck, director of the Museum at Leiden, is regarded as one of the foremost ornithologists of his time.

Collations for this work vary because of its complex and irregular publishing history. This copy contains Cuvier's rare Prospectus the first plate volume.