While our images are electronically watermarked, the antique prints themselves are not.
Crested Tit, Oxeye WY43 $95
Each print measures approximately 8 3/4
inches by 13 1/2 inches
It is with considerable enthusiasm
that we present prints from one of the first and
greatest English works on ornithology. We have been
waiting more than a few years to locate a collection of
such plates, in order to complete a fine volume that is
lacking a few prints & have some of these scarce prints
to offer in our listings.
Francis Willughby
(1635-1672) was the son of Sir Francis
Willughby, born at The Willughby family seat, Wollaton
Hall, now owned by the City of Nottingham, and housing
Willughby and Ray's natural history collection.
Willughby
studied at Trinity College in Cambridge, where he became
friendly with one of his tutors, John Ray (1627-1705).
Financed by the prosperous Willughby, the two travelled
Europe researching & collecting material for their
scientific works.
The
Ornithology is the first organized ornithological
work in England, considered one of the most important
on ornithology ever. The work is distinguished
by pre-Linnaean attempts at systematic classification &
the recognition of species of birds. Willoughby had
many novel scientific concepts, including transfusing
animals. His tragic early death before the publication
of the Ornithology was a great loss to the
scientific community. Willughby also published the
first English book of games, which is an invaluable
resource on 17th century games to this day, and
Historia Piscium.
References include
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Willughby
Peter Dance Art of Natural History p.35-36
After
Willughby’s death, Ray translated the work from Latin
into English, completed the engravings and it was
published in 1678. It is from this first English
edition that we are proud to offer prints. The
impressions are strong and the paper is a soft chain
linked white, in remarkable condition for its age, with
few blemishes. Each print measures approximately 9
inches by 14 inches and comes with a color facsimile of
the title page, printed in black & red. Ray himself was
not pleased with the quality of all of the engravings,
done by the best engravers of the time, but there is a
wonderful 17th century quality to the prints which makes
them highly sought after by collectors of bird prints.
After all, this is the first attempt by ornithologists
at systematic classification, over 328 years ago. Though generally in good condition, especially for their age, these prints have minor defects such as toning, margin slits, and a few wormholes.
We accept credit cards & PayPal. Washington state residents pay Washington state sales tax. Shipping for this item is
$8.95. Items can be combined to save on postage.
Our environment is smoke free. We pack professionally using only new materials. All items are beautifully wrapped and suitable for sending directly as
gifts. You may return any item within 7 days if not satisfied.
To order, you may call us at 1-888-PANTEEK, fax or
email.
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