Harris, William Charles

20 original parts, folio (19 1/4 x 12 1/8 in.; 498 x 308 mm). 40 chromolithographs (from 18 7/8 x 10 in.; 454 x 253 mm to 19 x 12 1/8 in.; 486 x 307 mm) after Harris by J.L. Petrie, with illustrated descriptive text; 4 chromolithographs with margins trimmed but not affecting images ("Rainbow Trout," "Rocky Mountain Trout," "Unspotted Mascalonge," and "Yellow Perch"), 3 with small closed tears primarily affecting margins ("Brown or German Trout," "Montana Grayling," and "Cisco of Lake Geneva"), 2 with minor rubbing affecting image ("Brown or German Trout" and "Striped Bass"), some mostly marginal closed tears to text leaves, a few tears with loss in Part 19, some closed or repaired tears and chipping to edges. Original pictorial blue-gray wrappers printed in black; most separated but all parts present, some closed tears, some with repairs, some with chips to margins, some toning.  In blue cloth chemise and clamshell box with snaps. 

Litchfield 65; Bruns B80; Nissen ZBI 1840; Wetzel 153

Occasional marginal and/or closed tears without loss to images themselves, a few plates rubbed, a few text leaves are toned. See details below: 4 chromolithographs with margins trimmed but not affecting images ("Rainbow Trout," "Rocky Mountain Trout," "Unspotted Mascalonge," and "Yellow Perch"), 3 with small closed tears primarily affecting margins ("Brown or German Trout," "Montana Grayling," and "Cisco of Lake Geneva"), 2 with minor rubbing affecting image ("Brown or German Trout" and "Striped Bass"), some mostly marginal closed tears to text leaves, a few tears with loss in Part 19, some closed or repaired tears and chipping to edges. Most wrappers separated but all parts present, some closed tears, some with repairs, some with chips to margins, some toning.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

FIRST EDITION OF ONE OF THE GREAT AMERICAN FISHING BOOKS, covering fresh and saltwater game fish, with the author promising that "neither labor nor money will be economized in the effort to make the publication unequalled in angling literature." Harris had originally planned to produce 80 plates in two volumes, but the second volume never came to fruition.