FIRST EDITION, 9 volumes, 4to (350 x 260mm.), 76 hand-coloured engraved plates, contemporary half roan, foxing and offsetting, some imprints cropped, bindings rubbed, spines somewhat worn, vol. 6 spine cracked

Crawfurd Antrobus, engraved armorial bookplate

Anker 533; Fine Bird Books, p.114; Nissen IVB 992; Sabin 104597; Wood, p.630; Zimmer, p.679

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Wilson died before the eighth volume was published, and the text of the work was completed from his notes by George Ord, who also contributed a lengthy biography of Wilson to the final volume. ''In the 76 plates included in his book, Wilson portrayed more than three-quarters of the species of birds known to have existed in America at that time. His work would be overshadowed by the monumental vision of John James Audubon by mid-century, yet the text of Wilson's book was of major scientific importance. Wilson paved the way for much of what would follow, and the excellence of his contributions brought Wilson the distinction of being considered the Father of American Ornithology'' (M.R. Norelli, American Wildlife Painting, New York, 1982).