‎BEWICK, THOMAS.‎
‎History of British Birds. The Figures engraved on Wood by T. Bewick. 2 vols. (1. Containing the History and Description of Land Birds. 2. History and Description of Water Birds).‎

‎Newcastle, Hodgson (vol. 1) and Walker (vol. 2) for T. Bewick, 1797-1804. Royal8vo. Uniformly bound in two nice contemporary full calf bindings with gilt ornamental frames to boards and inner gilt dentelles. Spines rebacked. Light wear to extremities and corner bumped. Previous owner's name (Anthony Wood) to top of both title-pages. First and last blanks with brownspotting as usual, otherwise internally fine and clean. On large paper with generous margins. (2), XXX, 335 pp." XX, 400 pp. with 233 woodcuts of birds in the text and numerous vignettes in woodcut showing scenes of British rural life.‎

Reference : 60703

‎First edition, first issue, without the words ""Wycliffe, 1791"" in the block of the figure of the Sea-Eagle in vol. 1, p.11 and no misprint on p. 145 (Schæniclus not Sahæniclus) and with the vignette (vol. 1, p. 285) uncensored. Bewick’s work quickly became one of the most popular ornithological works among laymen - the book served as a “beginner field guide"" for individuals without specialized knowledge. Bewick meticulously illustrated each species, drawing from life whenever possible or using skins when necessary. Both common and scientific names, along with their respective authorities, were documented. The text provided comprehensive descriptions of the birds, detailing their distribution and behavior, often incorporating extensive quotes from printed sources or correspondents. Contributors of skins or information were duly recognized. The species were organized into families like ""Of the Falcon,"" relying on the limited and conflicting scientific sources of that era. Land birds were further categorized into groups such as birds of prey, omnivorous birds, insectivorous birds, and granivorous birds, while water bird families were straightforwardly listed, with related families presented side by side.‎