Bree, Charles Robert (1811-1886) A History of the Birds of Europe Not Observed in the British Isles.

Description:

Bree, Charles Robert (1811-1886) A History of the Birds of Europe Not Observed in the British Isles. London: Groombridge & Sons, 1863-1864. First edition, four octavo volumes, illustrated with 238 hand-colored wood engravings of birds and eggs; bound in uniform contemporary half navy morocco gilt; occasional foxing to text, not affecting plates, top inch of each title page trimmed to remove old signature, light rubbing to binding extremities, 9 1/2 x 6 in. (4)
The plates, by Benjamin Fawcett, exhibit a transitional step in his advancement toward full chromoxylographs, or colored wood engravings. The prints of eggs are mostly color-printed and finished by hand, whereas most of the birds themselves are hand-colored. Over the next decade or two, Fawcett continued to refine his technique, eventually moving to the near exclusive use of color printing.
Provenance: The Estate of David Spinney.
Estimate $400-600


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