Handbook to the birds of Australia.

London, the author, 1865. Two volumes in two. Large 8vo (24.7 x 15.6 cm). viii, 636; [ii], 629 pp. One page of advertisements bound in at the end of volume 1. Original uniform green, blind stamped cloth with lavish gilt ornaments - including palm trees and birds-of-paradise - on covers and spines. Yellow endpapers. Original publication leaflet bound in the rear of volume I. A very good copy of the only edition. "Nearly twenty years have elapsed since my folio work on the birds of Australia was completed. During that period many new species have been discovered, and much additional information acquired respecting those comprised therein; consequently it appeared to me that a careful résumé of the entire subject would be acceptable to the possessors of the former edition" (John Gould, in the preface). A very good, complete copy of this important handbook on the ornithological fauna of Australia. The original publication leaflet states that the first volume was published on September 1st, 1865 and the second volume was due to appear on December 2nd of the same year. Light shelf-wear and some spots on the boards; a few marginal spots, otherwise clean, and unmarked. Rare to find in such an excellent state. Ferguson (V), 10031; Sauer, p. 146; Wood, p. 365; Zimmer, p. 262.