BELON, PORTRAITS D'OYSEAUX, PARIS, 1557, MODERN RED CALF

4to (220 x 152mm.), title within woodcut border, woodcut portrait of the author, woodcut initials and headpieces, woodcut illustrations (some full-page), two woodcut maps, engraving of a chameleon pasted to final blank recto, woodcut printer's device on final verso, modern red calf gilt in period style, lacking folding maps of Mount Athos and Sinai, a few images close to gutter, î2 misbound before ê1, a few small marginal repairs, small hole in l1 and n4 (not touching text), r4 and D2 torn and repaired (affecting image but without loss), occasional light staining

Eustache Hyacinthe Langlois (1777-1837, artist), inscription on title-page dated 1806

IA 116.331; Nissen IVB 87

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."

Belon travelled around the eastern Mediterranean in the years 1546-1549, observing the fauna and flora of the places he visited, and also hoping to locate the remains of Troy. This work is noted for the first comparative analysis of the anatomy of man and bird. Some of the woodcuts were previously used in Belon's L'Histoire de la nature des oyseaux (Paris, 1555).