Not all of the specimens illustrated in the work were collected by audubon himself, some were sent to him by john kirk townsend who had collected them. A rare copy of john james audubon s birds of america, billed as the worlds most expensive book, is to go on. This edition of audubons birds of america displays his handcoloured engravings in reproductions taken from the original plates of the audubon societys archival. To create this hardback edition, the natural history museums own original double elephant size folio was disbound and each of the 435 beautiful handcoloured prints was specially photographed. The birds of america is one of the best known natural history books ever produced and also the most valuable a complete set sold at auction in december 2010 for gbp7. The sevenvolume birds of america includes images of six nowextinct birds. Birds of america by john james audubon 1946 hb the birds of america is an intriging book by author, john james audubon. It provides information on all the birds listed on the aba bird list. It was undertaken by julius bien in new york as a chromolithographic work and involved the transfer of the images from the original plates to. American watercolor painting, birds in art, classification, miniature books, ornithologists, specimens, artists, ornithological illustration, geographical distribution, juvenile literature, birds, biography, pictorial works, sale.
It is half leather bound on board with a hubbed spine. This is a complete edition of john james audubon s nineteenth century masterpiece, the birds of america. Audubon, john james, roger tory peterson institute. Stolen audubon birds book returned to peabody library. A magnificent new printing of this classic edition of john james audubons masterwork in this latest printing of the baby elephant folio edition of audubons birds of america, the thumbnail images accompanying the descriptive captions are printed in full color for the convenience of the reader. Audubons birds of america bookplate 1950 first etsy. Johnson reprint corporation and theatrum orbis terrarum, 197172.
Collecting the birds of america by audubon, john james. Browse the amazon editors picks for the best books of 2019, featuring our favorite. Mar 24, 2020 the birds of america by john james audubon, cyril walker, roger tory peterson institute, virginia marie peterson. Mar, 2001 the book was published in several editions between 1997 and 2000. One of the finest ornithological works ever printed audubon, john james. This book covers all the native and vagrant species of birds seen on the north american continent. Image caption only 119 complete copies of the birds of america are known to exist. The original watercolor painting by john james audubon for the birds of america books, 2 volumes, published 1966 by american heritage publishing, new york. He served as a research asisstant at the american museum of natural history in the 1960s and 70s, and led many birding tours in long island and new york city.
Audubons childhood fascination with drawing birds became his obsession. John james audubon drawn from nature american masters. Audubons birds of america by roger tory peterson, virginia. This sparkling edition of audubons birds of america displays all 435 of audubons. The birds of america from drawings made in the united states and their territories.
Discover the secret of picking out a chipping sparrow from its lookalike cousins. Worlds most expensive book, birds of america, set to. All of john james audubon s brilliant bird engravings are graced by illuminating commentary by roger tory peterson, one of america s bestknown ornithologists, in this diminutive, yet lavish volume. The birds of america absorbed audubons attention for much of his life and its publication took nearly 12 years to complete. Published january 1st 1981 by abbeville press hardcover, 650 pages authors. This tiny folio book of audubons birds of america features audubons famous ornithological artwork, with the birds arranged by type. See all books authored by national audubon society, including national audubon society field guide to north american birds. Birds of america audubon society baby elephant folio huge book 1981.
The birds of america by john james audubon, cyril walker, roger tory peterson institute, virginia marie peterson. John james audubgon was born april 26, 1785 at aux cayes, the son of a french naval officer. It was printed by macmillan company in 1946 and it is a fifth edition. Spot the silhouette of a northern goshawk in flight. A field guide to the natural history of north american birds is the most complete and authoritative reference book about the birds of north america up to date and in fieldguide format. First edition of the birds of america by john james audubon, done by the philadelphia firm of j. He wandered the woods and rivers of the wild frontiers of north america shooting, studying, posing, and painting every species of bird he could find, and many years later, the resulting books were to change the worlds of ornithology and naturalhistory art forever. John james audubon and the making of the birds of america william souder. Audubons birds of america the audubon society baby. Buy a cheap copy of audubons birds of america the audubon. He was notable for his extensive studies documenting all types of american birds and for his detailed illustrations that depicted the birds in their natural habitats.
Discover delightful childrens books with prime book box, a subscription that delivers new books every 1, 2, or 3 months new customers receive 15% off your. Printed between 1827 and 1838, it contains 435 lifesize watercolors of north american birds havell edition, all reproduced from handengraved plates, and is considered to be the archetype of wildlife illustration. I checked out this book from my library, hoping it had the full collection of birds from audubon s birds of america, but alas the copy by library had only featured 30 color prints from the original book, with a catalog of the remaining 470 prints printed in blackandwhite thumbnails in the back of the book. Each of the 435 full color prints have been arranged phylogenetically in relation to. Do not confuse this book with other books reproducing audubon s birds of america with the same or similar title. Audubons birds of america coloring book by john james audubon, 9780486230498, available at book depository with free delivery worldwide. The birds of america by audubon and a great selection of related books, art and collectibles available now at. Birds of america by john james audubon, hardcover barnes. John james audubon is best known for the birds of america, a book of 435 images, portraits of every bird then known in the united states painted and reproduced in the size of life. It was first published as a series in sections between 1827 and 1838, in edinburgh and london. No matter what youre looking for or where you are in the world, our global marketplace of sellers can help you find unique and affordable options. This first edition of birds of america by john james audubon, originally bought by the duke of portland some time after 1828, is expected to become the worlds most expensive book when it. Worlds most expensive book goes up for sale bbc news. Sep 10, 2010 john james audubon s birds of america holds the record as the worlds most expensive book.
The birds of america by john james audubon alibris. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders. Eastern region revised edition, and national audubon society field guide to north american insects and spiders audubon society field guide, and more on. Oct 3, 2015 a personal selection of iconic american natural history prints from the early 19th century. National audubon society field guide to north american. Etsy is the home to thousands of handmade, vintage, and oneofakind products and gifts related to your search. National audubon society field guide to north american birds. Bull, a selftaught ornithologist and popular fieldguide writer, was born in manhattan on february 28, 1914.
John james audubons birds of america holds the record as the worlds most expensive book. Discover the many variations between waterfowl, scavengers and birds of prey, upland gamebirds and marshdwellers, shorebirds, gleaners of forest and meadow, songsters and mimics, woodland sprites, flockers and songbirds, and other types. The publishers of which i am aware include welcome rain, laurel glen, and wordsworth. John james audubons birds of america is a portal into the natural world. A rare copy of audubons birds of america heads to auction.
The book was published in several editions between 1997 and 2000. What you see here is exactly what audbuon intended you to see, nothing more, nothing less. This volume, compiled by roger tory peterson and virginia marie peterson, was published by abbeville press, new york. Jan 19, 2012 this first edition of birds of america by john james audubon, originally bought by the duke of portland some time after 1828, is expected to become the worlds most expensive book when it is. Birds of america john james audubon bauman rare books. This printing also features an attractive new binding cloth, in a sumptuous teal color. Rare copy of audubons birds of america for sale science. Bowen in 18401844 size is approximately 6 12 x 10 inches genuine audubon lithograph blue mountain warbler male pl. This is a complete edition of john james audubons nineteenth century masterpiece, the birds of america.
The audubon society baby elephant folio roger tory. All of john james audubons brilliant bird engravings are graced by illuminating commentary by roger tory peterson, one of americas bestknown ornithologists, in this diminutive, yet lavish volume. Mar 28, 2003 audubon s birds of america coloring book by john james audubon, 9780486230498, available at book depository with free delivery worldwide. National audubon society books list of books by author. The birds of america, 1858 60 bien edition the bien edition, issued by audubons artist son, john w. Audubon, was the first attempt to reproduce the birds lifesize. Nearly all later ornithological works were inspired by audubons artistry and high standards, and birds of america is considered one of the greatest examples of book. Do not confuse this book with other books reproducing audubons birds of america with the same or similar title. In the 19th century it was the usual practice for bird illustrators to work exclusively from preserved specimens, but audubon found this less than ideal. See more ideas about john james audubon, birds of america and audubon prints.
Audubons birds of america the audubon society baby elephant. First published in double elephant size approximately a metre tall in the first half of the nineteenth century, it is famous for. This book displays reproductions of some of audubons engravings as found in the audubon society baby elephant folio. Bird associations north american birds birds of north america. April 26, 1785 january 27, 1851 was an american ornithologist, naturalist, and painter.
This book was published in 1981 by abbeville press, new york. I checked out this book from my library, hoping it had the full collection of birds from audubons birds of america, but alas the copy by library had only featured 30 color prints from the original book, with a catalog of the remaining 470 prints printed in blackandwhite thumbnails in the back of the book. These remastered images have had nothing added or taken away they simply show the wonderful work previously hidden under nearly 200 years worth of dirt, discolouration, fading and damage. Audubon s birds of america in antiquarian and collectable books. The birds of america is a book by naturalist and painter john james audubon, containing illustrations of a wide variety of birds of the united states.
The lifes work of both a lover and observer of birds and nature. Robbins, bertel bruun, herbert spencer zim, herbert s. Buy 102 favorite audubon birds of america by roger tory peterson institute isbn. Recognized as the authority on bird identification, this invaluable resource provides.
A magnificent new printing of this classic edition of john james audubons masterwork in this latest printing of. Popular items for audubon bird book 1,116 results audubons birds of america john james audubon hard cover bird prints 1950 popular edition 288 plates color illustrations gift. Bound in brown full morocco with gilt tooled cover and spine. A 1981 copy of audubons birds of america by roger tory peterson and virginia marie peterson. Identify the raucous call of the redwinged blackbird. John james audubon s birds of america is a portal into the natural world. A limited edition poster, no edition number stated, this poster was printed for the promotion of the book and distributed at the aba trade show in 1981. The book called the complete birds of north america, is a book recommended to be part of any birders library. Its simple with this classic field guide, a treasured favorite among amateur bird lovers and exacting professionals. This tiny folio book of audubon s birds of america features audubon s famous ornithological artwork, with the birds arranged by type. Each of the 435 full color prints have been arranged phylogenetically in relation to the original plate numbers. Nearly all later ornithological works were inspired by audubon s artistry and high standards, and birds of america is considered one of the greatest examples of book. The birds of america by john james audubon in pictures.