New York: published for the Author, [1870]-1872. 2 volumes, folio. (23 1/2 x 18 inches). 2pp. subscriber's list. 79 fine hand-colored lithographic... More

New York: published for the Author, [1870]-1872. 2 volumes, folio. (23 1/2 x 18 inches). 2pp. subscriber's list. 79 fine hand-colored lithographic plates (including 1 folding plate of feathers) after Joseph Wolf by Joseph Smit (58) or John Gerrard Keulemans (21), printed by M. & N. Hanhart and P.W.M. Trap, coloured by J.D. White, 2 uncolored lithographic plates by and after Smit, on India paper mounted. (Expert neat repairs to titles, the lower margin of the folding plate of feathers, and the text leaf in vol. II describing the Lady Amherst's pheasant). Contemporary red morocco gilt by Bickers & Son, covers with elaborate gilt border composed from fillets, decorative rolls and stylized foliage tools at cornerpieces, spines in seven compartments with double raised bands, lettered in the second and fourth, the others with overall decoration of massed small tools, gilt turn-ins, marbled endpapers, g.e. The most splendid of Elliot's great monographs, and a rare American publication of this elegant class of books. Issued in 6 parts between June 1870 and October 1872, A Monograph of the Phasianidae is described by Sitwell as "the equal in every way to any work by Gould." The magnificent size and beautiful coloring of the plates after Joseph Wolf's drawings reflect the importance which Elliot attached to the Phasianidae. Of all the families in the ornithological system, he regarded it as the one most vital to the human race, "containing within it the species that afford food for thousands of mankind, and also those which are the original source of all the domestic poultry met with throughout the civilized world." He generously dedicated the work "To my friend Joseph Wolf", calling his "unrivalled talent...its chief attraction." Anker 130; Fine Birds Books (1990), p. 95; T. Keulemans & J. Coldewey Feathers to brush... John Gerrard Keulemans 1982, p.61; Nissen IVB 295; Wood p. 331; Zimmer p. 206. Less

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London: Engraved by T. Hutchins, 1778. Copper-engraved map by T. Cheevers, with period outline colour, on four joined sheets, overall measuring 36

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With elaborate double-page engraved frontispiece, hand painted floral paste-downs, hand-painted maps. Calf with blue edges and gilded spine and... More

With elaborate double-page engraved frontispiece, hand painted floral paste-downs, hand-painted maps. Calf with blue edges and gilded spine and borders on covers. First edition of Zatta’s masterpiece of the eighteenth century, the most important world atlas of the period. All maps are hand-coloured, with each title in a decorative cartouche surrounded by the architecture, animals, and landscape one was thought to encounter in that particular environment. All known areas of the world are documented, along with celestial maps, diagrams of the universe, ancient empires, and a plethora of maps concentrated on the countries and provinces of Europe. Also included is Zatta’s celebrated version of “Le Colonie Unite delle America Settentrie” based on Mitchell’s map of America (1775). Many of the maps in this section were engraved during the Revolution, and include vignettes which reference military and naval engagements, along with other political and economic information. Another particularly important map is “La Nuova Zelanda,” which was one of the first published versions of Cook’s chart of New Zealand. Zatta (1757-1797) was the most prominent Italian map publisher of the late eighteenth century. Based in Venice, his maps marked a transition from eighteenth to nineteenth century cartographic styles. He updated and redefined the traditional title cartouche by replacing the mythic elements common to the earlier styles with more representative images. His maps contain magnificent details while striving for accuracy. In addition, Zatta’s published works were renown for their high artistic qualities and modern colours, especially the fresh tones of his pinks, greens and yellows. This atlas is considered his magnum opus, though he also produced a number of Italian classics. It is extremely rare to find this atlas complete. Bossi (1788-1870) was a friend and defender of Italian revolutionaries, including Federico Confalonieri (1785-1846). He took refuge in Switzerland after his exile from Milan following the 1821 Piedmont revolt against the Austrians. Less

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