An attempt to unite in one volume a short account of those birds that have become extinct in historical times - that is, within the last six or seven hundred years. To which are added a few which still exist, but are on the verge of extinction.
London, Hutchinson, 1907
Baron Rothschild's classic work on extinct birds, finely illustrated. Rothschild divided the extinct species into two categories: 'those known externally as well as internally, and those of which we know bones and egg-shells only.' The available information on the former varies from very full literature on some to partial and unreliable information provided by 'old writers' whose main interest was limited to 'the culinary properties of the various birds.' Rothschild goes on to identify various causes for the destruction of the species: the need for food, sport, the introduction of animals of prey and new diseases, and the destruction of their habitat. Zimmer notes that the plates are excellent and are after many of the greatest ornithological artists working in Great Britain at the time.
First edition, limited to 300, numbered and signed copies. 4to (36 x 30 cm). 49 plates (45 coloured collotype plates and 4 uncoloured after J.G. Keulemans, G.E. Lodge, H. Grönvald, J. Smit and F.W. Frohawk), contemporary dark green half morocco gilt, top edge gilt, spine and corners faded to olive, a very good copy.
: J.G. Keulemans, G.E. Lodge, H. Grönvald, J. Smit and F.W. Frohawk. Anker 430; Nissen IVB 795; Errol Fuller Extinct Birds (2001) p.391; Wood p.543; Zimmer p.533.
First edition, limited to 300, numbered and signed copies. 4to (36 x 30 cm). 49 plates (45 coloured collotype plates and 4 uncoloured after J.G. Keulemans, G.E. Lodge, H. Grönvald, J. Smit and F.W. Frohawk), contemporary dark green half morocco gilt, top edge gilt, spine and corners faded to olive, a very good copy.
: J.G. Keulemans, G.E. Lodge, H. Grönvald, J. Smit and F.W. Frohawk. Anker 430; Nissen IVB 795; Errol Fuller Extinct Birds (2001) p.391; Wood p.543; Zimmer p.533.
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