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Gould, John
A Synopsis of the Birds of Australia, And the Adjacent Islands.
Melbourne: Queensberry Hill Press, 1979 8vo; unpaginated original ornately
gilt-decorated half green morocco binding, raised bands on spine, gilt work on
spine and front and back boards. In original slipcase, clear
dust jacket. Fine copy. Facsimile Edition (first published in London, 1837-38).
The Synopsis was Gould’s first work on the birds of Australia. The preparation
of the drawings for the finely executed color lithographs was accomplished under
the direction of his wife, Elizabeth Gould. Gould proposed many new generic
names here with complete diagnoses. He also designates a type species for each
new genus. The original work was issued in four parts, which may account for it
lack of pagination. This fine facsimile also included a new introduction,
publisher’s note and a reproduction of the original prospectus for the work.
This edition (the only reprint of
the work) was limited to 387 numbered copies of which this is copy 71.
Seventy-three full color plates. Peter Marsh established Queensberry Hill Press with the aim of producing
high quality publications and facsimiles. The Press was responsible for the two
best facsimiles of Australian bird books ever done, Lewin's Birds of New South
Wales 1838 and Gould's Synopsis. Both facsimiles received substantial input from
the late Allen McEvey, curator of birds at the Museum of Victoria. The plates
are beautifully reproduced.
ORDER # 71GOULD
PRICE: $481.00