WILSON, Alexander (1766-1813). American Ornithology; or, the Natural History of the Birds of the United States. Philadelphia: Bradford and Inskeep, 1808-14.

First edition of this pioneering work by the "father of American ornithology." Wilson's original drawings and paintings of birds, translated into attractive plates by Lawson, and detailed observations of their habits and habitats combined to produce "the first truly great American ornithology and also the first truly outstanding American colour plate book of any type" (Bennett), predating Audubon. The numerous figures represent 262 species of birds, 39 of which were new to science and 23 re-classified. Volumes I-VII were published during the author's lifetime; Volume VIII was edited by George Ord, and Volume IX completed by him from Wilson's notes and his own observations. The preface is dated September 1, 1808. Anker 533; Bennett 114; Reese 3; Sabin 104597; Zimmer p.679.

Nine volumes, quarto (343 x 250mm). 76 hand-colored engraved plates by Alexander Lawson, George Murray, John G. Warnicke, and Benjamin Tanner after Wilson (some offsetting from plates to text; a little soiling at some margins; prelims and postlims with a little chipping at edges; volumes 1, 4, and 9 with intermittent marginal dampstain at top edge, other volumes with occasional faint tide marks; volume 5 with some heavy spotting, affecting some plates; volume 7 with some staining throughout, affecting plates, with first plate detached). Modern half morocco over marbled boards. Provenance: Long Island Historical Society (stamps to title page, annotated by hand "sold").