John Gould, 1875-1888

GOULD, John (1804-1881) and Richard Bowdler SHARPE (1847-1909). The Birds of New Guinea and the adjacent Papuan Islands, including many new species recently discovered in Australia. London: Taylor and Francis for Henry Sotheran & Co., 1875-1888.

A fine copy of Gould's last major work, the companion to his monumental Birds of Australia. Gould died on 3 February 1881 shortly after the publication of the 12th part. The remaining 13 parts were edited or written by Sharpe and illustrated by William Matthew Hart. There are many impressive sections with bold depictions often including the birds' natural habitats and food sources such as specific reptiles and insects. Represented bird families include birds-of-paradise, eagles, honey-eaters, sunbirds, thickheads, flowerpeckers, starlings, pittas, kingfishers, cuckoos, parrots, lorikeets, cockatoos, fruit-pigeons, and, in finale, cassowaries. Anker/Copenhagen 181; Ayer/Zimmer pp.262-263; Fine Bird Books (1990) p.102; Nissen IVB 373; Sauer 27; Wood p.365.

Five volumes, large folio (550 x 370mm). 320 fine hand-colored lithographic plates by Gould and Hart, printed by Walter or the Mintern Brothers (a very few pale foxmarks or spots, largely to margins or text, about 4 plates with minor fingersoiling, a few spots in image of pl. 30, vol. 5, small stain on pl. 40 in vol. 5). Near-contemporary green half leather gilt by Riviere (minor rubs at extremities and joints).