$9,840
Gould, John (1804-1881) A Monograph of the Odontophorinae, or Partridges of America. London: Richard & John E. Taylor by the Author, 1850. First edition, folio, illustrated with thirty-two hand-colored lithographs after Gould and Richter, bound in full contemporary green morocco, gilt extra by Clyde, rebacked, very good, 21 1/2 x 14 1/2 in. Gould was inspired to work on the partridges of America "by the sight of the beautiful Callipepla Californica [the California Quail], presented to the Zoological Society of London by Captain Beechey, in 1830. The graceful actions and elegant deportment of these birds inspired me with a desire to become thoroughly acquainted with the entire group of which they form a part; this desire was even strengthened by the details furnished to me by the late celebrated traveller and botanist, Mr. David Douglas, respecting species seen by him in California, of the existence of which we had until then no idea. In the course of my researches I have several times visited most of the public and private collections of Europe, and have besides corresponded with various persons in America: the result is that I have had the pleasure of extending our knowledge of the group from eleven to no less than thirty-five species." (Quoted from the preface of the present volume.) Provenance: The Estate of David Spinney.
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2016-10-30
