The natural history of British birds, or, A selection of the most rare, beautiful and interesting birds which inhabit this country : the descriptions from the Systema naturae of Linnaeus : with general observations, either original or collected from the latest and most esteemed English ornithologists : and embellished with figures, drawn, engraved, and coloured from the original specimens

Title Variants

Alternative: British birds

Alternative: Donovan's British birds

Alternative: Natural history of British birds

Alternative: Selection of the most rare, beautiful and interesting birds which inhabit this country

By

Donovan, E. (Edward), 1768-1837 , Natural history of the nests and eggs of British birds.

Donovan, E. (Edward), 1768-1837
Gilbert, Richard, 1794-1852 , printer.
Latham, John, 1740-1837
Linné, Carl von, 1707-1778 , Systema naturae.
Linné, Carl von, 1707-1778
Pennant, Thomas, 1726-1798
F. and C. Rivington (Firm) , publisher.
F., C. and J. Rivington (Firm) , publisher.
Law and Gilbert, , printer.
Leverian Museum (London, England)
R. & R. Gilbert (Firm), , printer.

Type

Book

Material

Published material

Publication info

London, Printed for the author, and for F. and C. Rivington, 1794[-1819]

Notes

The first 5 volumes were issued in monthly parts, each consisting of 2 plates and accompanying text.

A volume came out each year between 1794 and 1798; the fifth volume stated: "This work being now completed." However, five additional volumes, numbered 6-10, were published between 1816 and 1819.

"[W]e have also placed an index, in the manner of Pennant and Latham, at the conclusion of each volume"--v. 1, p. [7] (1st group).

Each plate accompanied by 1-6 pages of descriptive letterpress.

Vol. I. 1794; plates 1-24. v. 2. 1795; plates 25-48. v. 3. 1796; plates 49-72. v. 4. 1797; plates 73-100. v. 5. 1798, plates 101-124. v. 6. 1809; plates 125-148. v. 7. 1816; plates 149-172. v. 8. 1817; plates 173-196. v. 9. 1818; plates 197-220. v. 10. 1819, plates 221-244.

Publisher varies. Volume 6 and the remaining volumes have "Printed for the author, and for F.C. and J. Rivington ...."

Printers include: Law and Gilbert (v. 6); R. & R. Gilbert (v. 7); and R. Gilbert (v. 10).

Donovan based some of his descriptions and illustrations on the bird specimens he acquired from the Leverian Museum.

A companion volume by Donovan, The natural history of the nest and eggs of British birds, was issued begining in 1826, but remained unfinished with just 5 parts (of an anticipated 24 parts) completed.

Erratum on the final p. of v. 9.

ESTC (online) | T200796

Soulsby, B.H. Linnaeus (2nd ed.), | 131

Subjects

Birds , Great Britain , Identification

Call Number

QL674 .D68

Language

English

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5962/bhl.title.68243
LCCN: https://lccn.loc.gov/06008402
OCLC: 9213280
Soulsby: 131