Lot 82: Godman's Monograph of the Petrels, nicely bound

GODMAN, FREDERICK DU CANE

A Monograph of the Petrels (Order Tubinares). London: Witherby, 1907-10. First edition, one of 225 sets issued in five parts. Finely bound in modern three-quarters red morocco gilt, the spine gilt lettered and with raised bands. 13 1/2 x 10 inches (34 x 26 cm); with 106 hand-colored lithographed plates mostly by J. G. Keulemans and a few by H. Grönvold, lv, 381 pp. Discolorations to the surface of the cloth on the covers, minor offsetting internally, in all an attractive copy.

The monograph of the petrels was first planned by Osbert Salvin who died in 1898. After nearly a decade, Godman assumed the task assisted by Richard Bowdler Sharpe and others. ''Most of my readers will, I feel sure, fully appreciate Mr. Keulemans' excellent drawings; while the colouring of the plates has been entrusted to Dr. Sharpe's talented daughters, whose work will speak for itself'' (Preface). Petrels are distinguished from gulls in that they seldom come to land except to breed. Anker 163; Nissen IVB 356; Zimmer, p 248; Wood, p 361.