Americana Exchange

Auction Details

Auction House Bonhams
Website www.bonhams.com
Auction Name Books, Maps, Manuscripts and Historical Photographs
Sale Number 18992
Auction Date Nov 22, 2011 - Nov 22, 2011

Lot Details : Bonhams

Lot Number 521     
Author GOULD (JOHN)
Title The Birds of Europe
Year Published 1832
Description The Birds of Europe, 5 vol., first edition, 448 hand-coloured lithographed plates, the majority drawn by Elizabeth Gould from sketches and designs by her husband, the remainder drawn and lithographed by Edward Lear, list of subscribers and plates, blindstamp on titles and each plate (touching image on a few), contemporary green morocco gilt, g.e., rubbed and scuffed [Nissen IVB 371; Anker 169; Fine Bird Books, p.77; Sauer 2; Wood, p.364; Zimmer p.251], folio (533 x 325mm.) , by the Author, [1832]-1837
Lot Note In the prospectus to The Birds of Europe Gould notes "Assisted by experienced collectors at all the most favourable localities, it is intended that the artists employed on this work shall have, as far as possible, a constant supply of living or very recently killed birds, a plan which... will at the same time ensure a degree of truth both of character and colouring, which museum specimens, however well preserved, can never supply". Edward Lear accompanied Gould on his numerous trips to the Continent, contributing 67 plates to the work, including many birds of prey, and larger specimens such as swans, cranes, gannets, herons and game birds.
Estimated Price GBP 40,000.00 - 50,000.00( USD 60800.00 - USD 76000.00)
Actual Price GBP 46,850.00 ( USD 71212.00)