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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Paris: Teriade Editeur, 1956, first Chagall edition, two volumes, number 246 of 275 exemplars (total edition 295), printed on Montval paper, signed... More

Paris: Teriade Editeur, 1956, first Chagall edition, two volumes, number 246 of 275 exemplars (total edition 295), printed on Montval paper, signed by Marc Chagall on the justification page. The complete book with the Bible text, illustrated with 105 original etchings by Marc Chagall; pp. 124 + 108, loose leaves in 2 thick Arches paper folders with four folded flaps and black printing on the front, inside publisher's 2 board chemises covered with grey paper printed in gold on the spine for each volume; housed in publisher's slipcase. In very close to excellent condition. Size of each book 18 x 13.5 x 3 in (46 x 35.5 x 7 cm); overall size 18.5 x 14 x 5.5 in (47 x 36 x 14 cm). References: Rauch 148; Klipstein 1960, The Artist & The Book 53; Cramer 29; Sorlier 199-303 (p.62); Monod 1532; The Artist & The Book in France p.326; Meyer 24; From Manet to Hockney 88. Aside from totally insignificant imperfections on the chemises and slipcase, this is a superb exemplar of a book that is now quite rare, especially in this condition (very clean and bright, no habitual foxing, no tears, no creases, no staining). 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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