Gould - A Monograph of the Ramphastidae (Toucans)

GOULD, John (1804-1881).
A Monograph of the Ramphastidae, or Family of Toucans.
London: Published for the Author, 1833- [1835].

FIRST EDITION OF GOULD'S FIRST MONOGRAPH.

Folio (21 1/2 x 14 in.; 54.6 x 35.6 cm). 33 hand colored lithographic plates by and after Edward Lear and John and Elizabeth Gould, some heightened with gum arabic, one uncolored plate by and after George Scharf, all printed by Charles Hullmandel, dedication leaf to C. J. Temminck, subscribers' list; light, occasional spotting and pigment offset to text, Pteroglossus Bailloni text with vertical crease, plate for Pteroglossus Prasinus shaved. Contemporary full green morocco paneled gilt by Hering, the spine in 6 compartments richly gilt (of which 2 lettered), yellow-coated endpapers, gilt dentelles, edges gilt; joints lightly rubbed.

FIRST EDITION OF GOULD'S FIRST MONOGRAPH, originally issued in three parts. ,br>
The toucan family is limited to Mexico, Central and South America, and some West Indian islands and were described by Gould in his introduction as "a retiring and shy race mostly observed in small flocks or companies inhabit[ing] the dense woods and forests of that luxuriant country." Both adult and juvenile birds are depicted and count among the best of Lear's and the Goulds's work.

REFERENCES: Anker170; Ayer/Zimmer, pp. 252-253; Fine Bird Books p. 101; McGill/Wood p. 364; Nissen IVB 378; Sauer 3.

Comparables: Sotheby's, 2009 - $92,500; Christie's, 2003 - $77,675.