John Audubon. BIRDS OF AMERICA. First edition. 8vo.

                                                        Publisher’s Deluxe Edition

Audubon, John James. THE BIRDS OF AMERICA, from Drawings Made in the United States and Their Territories. 7 Volumes. New York & Philadelphia: J. J. Audubon and J. B. Chevalier, 1840–1844. 1^st octavo edition.  Complete.

500 hand-colored lithographed plates after Audubon by W. E. Hitchcock; R. Trembly and others, printed and colored by J. T. Bowen, with tissue guards. Numerous wood-engraved text illustrations. Half-titles and list of subscribers in each volume. Publisher's deluxe original full russet morocco binding with splendidly gilt Washington sea-eagle on front and back boards. Elaborate gilt tooling of spine compartments. All volumes re-backed. A fine set.

Vol. 1: 256pp. 70 plates

Vol. 2: 205pp. 70 plates

Vol. 3: 233pp. 70 plates

Vol. 4: 321pp. 70 plates

Vol. 5: 346pp. 70 plates

Vol. 6: 457pp. 70 plates

Vol. 7: 371pp. 80 plates

After completing the double-elephant folio edition at great expense in England, Audubon returned to the United States and used the Philadelphia firm of Bowen to produce a more profitable octavo version under the supervision of his sons. The octavo version enjoyed tremendous success and established Audubon’s reputation. The octavo edition adds 65 new images to the original plate count of the double-elephant folio.

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