ELLIOT, MONOGRAPH OF THE PHASIANIDAE, OR FAMILY OF THE PHEASANTS, NY, 1870-1872, 2 VOL., FOLIO, COLOURED PLATES

FIRST EDITION, 2 volumes, large folio (597 x 470mm.), dedication to Joseph Wolf, list of subscribers, 79 fine hand-coloured lithographed plates by Joseph Smit and J.G. Keulemans after Joseph Wolf, 2 uncoloured plates of heads and feet, contemporary green half morocco, top edges gilt, very slight spotting (hardly affecting plates), penultimate plate in vol.2 with minor repair in blank area, covers slightly rubbed

Anker 130; Fine Bird Books, p.74; Nissen IVB 295; Zimmer, p.206

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."

"OF THE GREAT NINETEENTH-CENTURY ORNITHOLOGICAL MONOGRAPHS, NONE SAVE AUDUBON'S IS SO SUMPTUOUS AS D.G. ELLIOT'S MONOGRAPH OF THE PHASIANIDAE… a rare American contribution to this elegant class of books. It was entirely illustrated by the incomparable Joseph Wolf" (R.M. Mengel, "Beauty and the Beast: Natural History and Art", The Living Bird, 18, Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, 1979-1980).