Lewin | The Birds of Great-Britain. 1789-1794, 7 volumes

LEWIN, WILLIAM
The Birds of Great-Britain with their eggs. London: Printed for the author; and sold by Leigh and Sotheby, 1789–1794

7 volumes, folio (340 x 275mm.), dedication leaf, 323 original watercolour and gouache drawings of birds (271) and eggs (52), contemporary straight-grained green morocco gilt, covers with three gilt fillet borders and cornerpieces composed of foliate, star and circle motifs, spine gilt in 7 compartments, gilt edges, some rubbing to bindings

A FINE COPY, one of only sixty sets illustrated entirely with gouache drawings by Lewin, and as such unique among bird books. The vast energy required for the production of sixty sets each comprising 323 drawings (nearly twenty thousand individual pictures in all) establishes The Birds of Great Britain as a singular monument in English ornithology.

LITERATURE:
Anker 306; ESTC T128334; Fine Bird Books, p.119; Mullens & Swann, pp.349-51; Nissen IVB 562; Wood, p 435; Zimmer, p.395

PROVENANCE:
John Warren, 1st and last Baronet (1753–1822), engraved armorial bookplate

Condition Report:
Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.

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.