BULLER, Walter Lawry, Sir (1838-1906). A History of the Birds of New Zealand. London: John van Voorst, [March 1872-December] 1873.

Lovely copy of the first edition, one of only 500 printed. "It has been remarked by a celebrated naturalist that 'New Zealand is the most interesting ornithological province in the world ... It has been the author's desire to collect and place on record a complete life-history of these birds before their final extirpation" (prospectus). First issued in five parts, the work was instantly successful, containing what are "often quoted as being Keulemans' finest drawings" (C. Jackson Bird Illustrators p.88). Rare; especially in attractive condition. Ellis/Mengel 427; Nissen IVB 163; Wood p. 269; Zimmer p.114.

Quarto (304 x 240mm). 2pp. prospectus and 6pp. list of subscribers at beginning, 4pp. of "extracts from reviews" and 1p. prospectus for a "proposed series of supplementary plates" at end. Tinted lithographic frontispiece depicting a skeleton of a Moa next to a Maori man, 35 hand-colored lithographic plates after and by John Gerrard Keulemans (some very pale even toning). Early 20th-century green half morocco, top edge gilt (spine sunned, couple of nicks to corners and upper joint).