SCHLEGEL, DE TOERAKO'S, 1860

FIRST EDITION, large folio, (698 x 520mm.), dedication, 17 lithographed PLATES IN TWO STATES, PLAIN AND COLOURED BY HAND, slightly later green half morocco gilt, original upper wrapper bound in, minor spotting to plain plates

Anker 444; Fine Bird Books, p.105; Nissen IVB 840; Zimmer, p.555

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."

PROBABLY THE FINEST DUTCH LARGE COLOUR-PLATE BOOK ON BIRDS. "An account of the Touracos (fam. Musophagidae). The general text, in Dutch, contains a description of each species with distribution, synonymy and other notes. The synopsis contains Latin diagnoses of the species. The plates are excellent and suggest the work of Wolf" (Zimmer). "The essential part of the work consists of the beautiful plates, executed in lithography coloured by hand from drawings by Schlegel, made from nature and as far as possible from life. The birds are figured in life-size, which accounts for the large format" (Anker).