Lot 39: WILSON, Alexander (1766-1813). American Ornithology. Plates. New York and P

WILSON, Alexander (1766-1813). American Ornithology. Plates. New York and Philadelphia, Collins and Harrison Hall, 1829. The plate volume of “the frst truly great American ornithology [book]” (Bennett), the 1829 reissue by George Ord “with the plates coloured better” (Sitwell). Predating Audubon, Wilson’s original drawings, translated into attractive plates by Lawson, represent 262 species of birds, 39 of which were new to science. Nissen IVB 992; Sitwell p.155. See Bennett, 114. Plate volume only, folio (366 x 295mm). 76 hand-colored engravings. 19thcentury red half morocco (rebacked preserving original spine). Provenance: Samuel Fothergill Troth (1801-1886, a prominent Philadelphia pharmacy owner and apothecary; bookplate and note of gift to:) – John T. Troth (son of Samuel Troth; note “From Samuel F. Troth to John T. Troth when he is 18 years old.”).