London: Printed for R. Ware, 1741. [Ornithology] SECOND EDITION. Octavo in half-sheets (17 x 11cm), pp.[6] 96 [6]. With a copper engraved illustration of each bird, and a frontispiece, by the author. Later full marbled calf, recently re-backed in brown calf, with raised bands, and gilt titles to a red label. All edges speckled red. Very heavily trimmed for a new binding in the late eighteenth or early nineteenth century, cutting the date from the base of title page entirely. No other text affected. A black ink inscription to first blank explains this situation. A black ink ownership to title page dated 1757, and the publication date written in the same hand as the previous inscription to base. Toning throughout, with heavier browning to edges and plates. A large tear to the Yellowhammer plate, just grazing the edge of the egg. A little light chipping to blanks. Quite heavy wear to boards; restored to a practical, attractive condition. Good. A delightful early book on English song birds, with notes on how to take chicks from the nest and rear them for captivity, as well as the expected descriptions of appearance, behaviour and song. First published in 1737. Item #59584

Price: £250.00