John Jonston

Histoire naturelle et raisonné des différens oiseaux qui habitant le globe. Paris: L.C. Desnos, 1773

2 parts in one volume, folio (495 x 325mm.), 85 hand-coloured engraved plates, near contemporary morocco-backed boards, some leaves toned, binding rubbed

First French edition; the French text describes the plates rather than translating the original Latin. The plates depict birds of prey, parrots, waterfowl, etc., as well as fa෴bulous birds such as the phoenix, harpy, and griffin.

LITERATURE:

Anker 238; Fine Bird Books, p. 84; Nissen IVB 484