A History of British Birds.

Thomas Bewick (1753-1828),was the leading wood-engraver of his day and indeed one of the greatest of all time. As well as depicting birds, the work is enlivened by the use of often amusing vignettes of rural life. One such is found at page 285 of the Land birds; this 'indelicate' (Mullens & Swann) image was considered a bit shocking and copies were often mutilated. The present copy has the vignette intact, i.e. 'before the bar'.

The work transcended its subject and was referred to in Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre, and was referenced by Wordsworth in The Two Thieves: 'Oh now that the genius of Bewick were mine, And the skill which he learned on the banks of the Tyne.'

Second edition of the first work, first edition of the second; 2 vols, 8vo; wood engraving throughout by Thomas Bewick, scattered light foxing; full calf gilt, rebacked retaining original backstrip, spine with 5 raised bands and gilt in compartments, red and black morocco spine labels with gilt lettering, light wear to extremities, all edges gilt, marbled endpapers.