THE BIRDS OF THE ISLE OF MAN [scarce issue with 1923 supplement]

Edinburgh: David Douglas, 1905. Book. Very Good. Hardcover. Later Edition. Royal 8vo. This is the scarce issue with the 1923 "Supplementary Notes to 'The Birds of the Isle of Man' July 1923". [Ballance states that this is a 1924 reprint, but we believe this to be incorrect. The title page is dated 1905, and the leaf of adverts at the back is exactly the same as the1905 first edition. More likely this issue was bound up from original sheets using the same casing, the supplement consisting of 40 pages i.e. 8vo x 5, and 6 b/w plates is a self-contained gathering that has been added in. The end papers are a different colour otherwise this issue identical to the first edition but for the additional supplement. The supplement was also published separately in 1924 by Douglas & Foulis, Edinburgh and issued in grey wrappers] This copy is a gift of the author, pencil inscription to the front free end paper reads: "Mr Parker 20a London St. Southport Given by Pilcher Ralfe April 19th 1938", however not seemingly in the hand of Ralfe. Pp. lv, 321, 39, [1] (Supplement), [2] (publisher's adverts); numerous black and white plates, all present and correct; two folding maps. Publisher's blue cloth with gilt lettering and decoration, very good, light wear only, gilt dulled. Top edge gilt. Contents clean and tight, original off white end papers. A very good copy. "The author, a member of the British Ornithologist s Union, presents this book as his first attempt to describe in detail the bird life of his native isle.".