Antique Prints, Maps, & Books of Natural History, Botanicals, & More
Lot 68858:
Description
These two volumes with 78 plates are Sir John Richardson’s
Fauna Boreali-Americana, or, The Zoology of the Northern Parts of British America: containing descriptions of the objects of natural history collected on the late northern land expeditions, under command of Captain Sir John Franklin, R.N.. This first edition was published in London between 1829 and 1837 by John Murray, Richard Bentley, and Josiah Fletcher.
Richardson’s work was dedicated to the natural history of the Arctic regions. It was originally issued in four volumes focused on mammals, birds, fish, and insects. The lot includes two volumes focused on birds & mammals. Many of the animals were newly introduced in this work. "The influence which this work exerted cannot well be overstated … it was the unique source of inspiration of numberless writers upon the same subject, and it continues to be a standard authority." (E. Coues, American Ornithological Biography, Washington 1878-80, vol. 1, p. 50)
This work is traditionally supposed to be 4 volumes, but is rarely found complete, with only two volumes available here. There are 78 etched or engraved plates in this offering, 50 of which feature originally hand-coloring. There are numerous in-text wood-engraved illustrations. The volumes are bound in modern green cloth, original paper spine labels laid down. The volume on birds was co-written by William Swainson. "To the publication of them (the four volumes)… the government made a grant of 1000 pounds. This may therefore boast of being the first zoological work published with the support of the British government." (Anker)
Sir John Richardson (1787-1865) was a Scottish surgeon, naturalist, and Arctic explorer. He collected numerous animal and plant specimens from the Canadian Arctic that he utilized to create this work. He collected his information during Franklin’s two arctic overland expeditions to discover the Northwest Passage in 1819-22 as well as 1825-27. He served as the surgeon and naturalist for the journey.
Paper Size: ~ 8 3/4" by 11"
Condition report:
The work is in very good condition overall. There is some foxing or offsetting to the pages, but generally very nice. There may be a few minor imperfections to be expected with age. Please review the image carefully for condition and contact us with any questions.
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