The Natural History of Birds

London: John Harris, 1836. First edition. Leather. Good. 5.5" by 4.5". Thomas Landseer. A first edition copy of this very scarce natural history of birds from the Little Library Series, charmingly illustrated by Thomas Landseer. The first edition of this work from the Little Library Series, in a quarter calf binding. Illustrated with 12 plates and a frontispiece by Thomas Landseer (1793/94-1880), a British artist best known for his engravings and etchings. A very scarce work from the Little Library Series on the natural history of birds, by English journalist and editor Frederic Shoberl (1775–1853). This volume contains information on resident birds, summer and winter visitors, and water birds of the British Isles, alongside charming engravings by Thomas Landseer. 6 pages of publisher's advertisements to the rear. In a quarter calf binding. Externally sound, though rubbed to the joints and head and tail of the spine, with a small loss to the head of the spine. A couple of faint marks to the front board. Both hinges are starting but remain firm. The front free end paper to page viii are coming loose; the rest of the work is firmly bound. Pages are generally bright and clean, with the odd handling mark and minor age toning to the page perimeters. Part of the half title page has been cut out, but this does not affect the text. Good