Wilson,Alexander, American Ornithology, Plates

Wilson, Alexander. American Ornithology, or The Natural History of the Birds of The United States, Plates, Engraved and Colored from Original Drawings Taken from Nature, New York and Philadelphia: Collins & Co. and Harrison Hall, 1829. Book of plates, engraved and hand colored, some heightened with gum arabic, from original drawings taken from nature. The hand-colored drawings in the Atlas are from the original copper-plates. The original plates, engraved under the eye of Wilson, are employed in this edition, after having been carefully examined and retouched by engraver Mr. Alexander Lawson (1773-1846) by whom most of them were executed. 76 plates in all, bound in red cloth binding with simple leather title paste down on spine. Each plate with a tissue guard. 15 x 12 in. overall. Originally published in 9 volumes, 1808-1814, this book of plates is from the second edition arranged by George Ord, friend of Wilson; volumes 1-2 published in 1828, volume 3 and atlas in 1829 of which this is dated. This edition is the more desirable as the paper quality is better and thus little to no foxing to the paper. Condition: minor handling wear at paper edges, light discoloration to paper, colors crisp and bright.