AUDUBON, John James (1785-1851)

Snowy Owl [Pl. 121]

[Pl. 121]. Hand-coloured engraving with aquatint and etching by Robert Havell, [no date], paper watermarked "Turkey Mill". Sheet size: 37 5/8 x 24 1/8 inches.

From the first edition of "The Birds of America."

One of the most evocative of all Audubon's images: the eerie paleness of the birds contrasting beautifully with the rich dark blue of the night sky.

"The Snowy Owl hunts during the day, as well as in the dusk. Its flight is firm and protracted, although smooth and noiseless. It passes swiftly over its hunting ground, seizes its prey by instantaneously falling on it, and generally devours it on the spot. When objects of its pursuit are on wing [sic]...it gains upon them by urging its speed, and strikes them somewhat in the manner of a Peregrine Falcon. It is fond of the neighbourhood of rivers and small streams, having in their course cataracts or shallow rapids, on the borders of which it seizes on fishes, in the manner of our wild cat" (J. J. Audubon, The Birds of America, New York & Philadelphia: 1840-1844, vol.I, p.113). "At home in the far North, the snowy owl sits upon its hillock, surveys it bleak domain, and intones its baleful booming to the polar sky. It has few enemies, chiefly the arctic fox and the Eskimos, who find the eggs of the Ookpikjuak very palatable. The key to life in the Arctic is the lemming, the little mouse-like mammal that increases so rapidly even its natural enemies cannot keep it in check. Periodically, when it reaches saturation, there is a population crash. In peak years, the snowy owl waxes fat on the lemming horde, but when the depression comes it must leave the barren tundra and seek food elsewhere. About every fourth year flights of these big ghostly owls drift into the United States; at longer intervals invasions of thousands pour across the border" (R. T & V. M. Peterson, Audubon's Birds of America, London: 1981, no. 237).

Susanne M. Low, A Guide to Audubon's Birds of America, New Haven & New York: 2002, p.93.

#3645$125,000.00



AUDUBON, John James (1785-1851) and Rev. John BACHMAN (1790-1874)

The Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America

New York: H.Ludwig [vols.I & II] or R.Craighead [vol.III] for J.J. Audubon, 1846-1851-1854. 3 volumes, quarto (11 x 7 ½ inches). Half-titles in vols.I and III, 6pp. subscribers' lists in vols.I & II. Original purple cloth, paper title labels on spines (labels rubbed with some loss, spines faded and chipped as usual). Modern cloth box, morocco lettering piece. Provenance: Henry William Ravenel (1814-1887, inscription on title of vol.I, subscriber).

First edition, with the second expanded issue of volume III, of the text issued to accompany the Imperial folio edition of the "Quadrupeds." The Henry Ravenel copy and a good set of this surprisingly rare text to Audubon's final great natural history work, providing descriptions of the quadrupeds of `the British and Russian possessions in the north, the whole of the United States and their territories, California, and that part of Mexico north of the Tropic of Cancer' (Introduction). The subscription lists include 296 names subscribing for 304 copies.

Henry William Ravenel was born on the Pooshee plantation, St.John's, Berkeley County, South Carolina in 1814. His interest in botany flourished whilst at South Carolina College and brought him into contact with a number of the most eminent naturalists of the day including Asa Gray and John Bachman. Ravanel came to be recognized as an authority on the fungi of the United States and his best known published work on the subject appeared in two series between 1853 and 1882. Ravenel's name appears as a subscriber in the list at the end of vol.I.

Audubon's collaborator on the Quadrupeds was the naturalist and Lutheran clergyman John Bachman who had studied quadrupeds since he was a young man and was a recognized authority on the subject in the United States. The two began their association when Audubon stayed with Bachman and his family in Charleston for a month in 1831; this friendship was later cemented by the marriage of Victor and John W. Audubon to Bachman's daughters, Maria and Eliza. Audubon knew Bachman's contribution to the Quadrupeds would be crucial and endeavored to convince his friend to lay aside his fears about the project. Audubon was eager to begin what he felt could be his last outstanding achievement in natural history, but Bachman was more cautious and worried that they were entering a field where `we have much to learn'. Audubon persisted in his efforts to get him to take part, and Bachman, `anxious to do something for the benefit of Victor and John [Audubon]', eventually relented, with the final condition that all of the expenses and all of the profits should go to Audubon's sons. By 1835, Bachman had become indispensable to the Quadrupeds project, writing most of the present text and editing the entire work.

In issuing the text separately to the volumes of plates, Audubon was continuing a practice that he had begun in Britain with The Birds of America. With this earlier work had the text been bound in, the British Copyright Act of 1709 would have required him to deposit a complete set of the plate volumes with each of the nine copyright libraries. The text and plates were therefore printed and bound separately in a successful effort to avoid this expensive necessity. The present set includes the second issue of volume III. This includes 90 more pages of text than the first issue (which is dated 1853). In addition the title, p.104, and the preliminaries and indices are all reset. It also sometimes includes 6 additional small format plates (numbered 124, 151-155). These plates are not always present, and although apparently called for by the text (e.g. p.255 for plate CLI) they were clearly only an option.

Bennett p.5; Nissen ZBI 162; Sabin 2367

#2913$7,500.00



AUDUBON, John James (1785-1851), and Joseph Bartholomew KIDD

American Goldfinch

Edinburgh, 1831. Oil on millboard, with label on verso: "R. Davy, 83 Newman St., London, colorman to artists," 18 7/8 x 11 7/8 inches. In fine condition. Framed.

An important original oil painting from the Audubon/Kidd collaboration.

This painting is a collaboration between John James Audubon and the English artist Joseph Bartholomew Kidd, whom Audubon hired to help him create a gallery of The Birds of America in oils. These paintings reproduced Audubon's images as they appeared in the double elephant folio. The two artists worked together to create ninety-four oils, according to Audubon's records. Audubon intended to create an exhibition to which he would charge admission, ultimately selling the original oils. He wrote: "I truely believe that an exhibition of these Pictures in this Country (i.e. the United States) would pay Monstrously Well!" However, by 1834 his relationship with Kidd broke down, and he sold the paintings without organizing the show he had envisioned. About forty of these oils are now recorded in institutions (Harvard, American Museum of Natural History, Princeton, National Gallery, Yale, and others), whilst others remain in private hands - including some in the possession of direct descendants of Audubon.

The present painting, the American Goldfinch, appeared as plate 33 of the double elephant folio, issued in early 1828. In Audubon's diary entry of July 29, 1831, he lists it as one of the paintings he hopes to execute with Kidd. The birds are shown in their brightest spring plumage of yellow. They are depicted on a flowering thistle plant, their favorite source of food and nesting material. The green thistles and yellow birds are set off handsomely against the bright summer sky. As usual with the Audubon/Kidd oils, it is unsigned and undated.

This painting apparently remained in the possession of the Audubon family until 1863, when Audubon's widow evidently gave it to one of her grandchildren. While the present painting is unmarked, we know that it was purchased by the Old Print Shop in New York on Oct. 6, 1950 from Mrs. John F. Carlson, along with the oil painting of the House Wren, which was inscribed: "G.R. Audubon from Mrs. J.J. Audubon, 1863." That painting is now in the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. The Old Print Shop sold the present painting to one Louise Jerecki in 1951, from whom it passed through several hands to the present owner.

#9805$195,000.00



AUDUBON, John James (1785-1851)

American Anhinga Snake Bird [Pl. 420]

[Pl. 420]. New York & Philadelphia: J.J.Audubon and J.B.Chevalier, [1839-] 1840-1844. Hand-coloured lithograph, after J.J. Audubon by J.T. Bowen. Very good condition . Image size (including text): 8 3/4 x 4 5/8 inches. Sheet size: 10 1/4 x 6 1/2 inches.

A fine print from the first octavo edition of "The Birds of America": one of the "most beautiful, popular, and important natural history [works] published in America..." (Ron Tyler)

Shortly after the publication of the hugely successful Havell edition of 'The Birds of America', Audubon issued the first royal octavo edition of this great work, the plates from which now represent the only realistic opportunity for collectors to own Audubon images in a form that was overseen and approved by the great artist himself. Its publication may have been inspired by the overwhelming public demand for his prints and his wish that a work similar to the original be published 'at such a price, as would enable every student or lover of nature to place it in his Library'. With its smaller plates, each of which depicts a single species, the octavo edition was certainly more accessible than the double-elephant Havell folio.

The octavo edition was a multifaceted undertaking that gave Audubon an invaluable opportunity to substantially improve and enhance the original. Above all, the octavo version allowed him to scientifically arrange his subjects by genus and species and to include several newly discovered species of Western birds. Originally issued in 100 parts, each containing five plates executed by the Philadelphia lithographer J.T. Bowen, it was sold solely by subscription and proved so successful that seven later editions were subsequently issued.

John James Audubon was born in Les Cayes, Haiti on 26 April 1785. He lived in France from 1788 to 1803, after which time he was sent to the United States to manage an estate that his father bought in Pennsylvania. In 1805, he briefly moved back to France; however, his fascination with the United States had taken root, and he returned there in May 1806. He married Lucy Bakewell in 1808, and together they embarked on a difficult period financially that was only to be resolved, through Audubon's unshakable and justified belief in his own abilities, with the publication of his masterpiece 'Birds in America'

Cf. Bennett p.5; cf. Nissen IVB 51; cf. Ripley 13; cf. Ron Tyler, Audubon's Great National Work (1993) Appendix I; cf. Sabin 2364; cf. Zimmer p.22

#17524$750.00



AUDUBON, John James (1785-1851)

American Avocet. From "The Birds of America" (Amsterdam Edition) [Pl. 318]

[Pl. 318]. Amsterdam and New York: Johnson Reprint Corporation and Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, 1971-72. Colour-printed lithograph, on fine hand-made paper. Excellent condition. Image size (including text): 14 7/8 x 19 inches. Sheet size: 26 3/4 x 39 7/8 inches (approx).

In October 1971, employing the most faithful printing method available, the best materials and the ablest craftsmen of their age, the Amsterdam firm of Theatrum Orbis Terrarum Ltd., in conjunction with the Johnson Reprint Corporation of New York, set out to produce the finest possible limited edition facsimile of the greatest bird book ever printed: the Havell edition of John James Audubon's well-loved "Birds of America".

The Curators of the Teyler's Museum in Haarlem, Holland made their copy of the original work available for use as a model. The Museum, founded in 1778, bought their copy through Audubon's son as part of the original subscription in 1839. After long deliberation, the extremely complex but highly accurate process of colour photo-lithography was chosen as the appropriate printing method. The best exponents of this art were the renowned Dutch printing firm of NV Fotolitho Inrichting Drommel at Zandvoort who were willing to undertake the task of printing each plate in up to eight different colours.

The original Havell edition was published on hand-made rag paper and the publishers were determined that the paper of their edition should match the original. Unhappy with the commercially available papers, they turned to the traditional paper manufacturers G. Schut & Zonen (founded in 1625), who, using 100% unbleached cotton rags, were able to produce a wove paper of the highest quality, with each sheet bearing a watermark unique to the edition: G. Schut & Zonen [JR monogram] Audubon [OT monogram].

The publishers and their dedicated team completed their task late in 1972 and the results of these labours were affectionately known as the "Amsterdam Audubon." 250 copies were published and sold by subscription, with the plates available bound or unbound. Given all this careful preparation, it is not surprising that the prints have the look and feel of the original Havell edition.

John James Audubon was born in Les Cayes, Haiti on 26 April 1785. From 1788 to 1803 he lived in France until he was sent to the United States to manage an estate that his father had bought in Pennsylvania. He returned to France in 1805, but his fascination with the United States had taken root and he returned again in May 1806. He married Lucy Bakewell in 1808 and together they embarked on a difficult period financially that was only to be resolved, through Audubon's unshakable and justified belief in his own abilities, with the publication of his masterpiece in 1827-1838.

"The Birds of America" is the single greatest ornithological work ever produced and is the realization of Audubon's dream of traveling throughout the United States recording, natural size, every native bird then known. The 435 double-elephant folio sized plates, printed by the Havells of London, depict some 1,065 different species, the majority drawn from specimens that Audubon himself had captured.

The Havell edition was expensive at the time of publication and this has not changed. Possibly the last complete copy which will ever appear on the market sold for a staggering $8,802,500 in a sale in New York in March 2000. Currently, the increasingly rare individual plates from this edition, when they do appear, generally sell for between $5,000 and $175,000 depending on the image. The quality of the Amsterdam Audubon plates is apparent to any discerning collector and it is becoming ever clearer that they offer the most attractive alternative to the Havell edition plates, given the latter's spiraling prices.

Cf. Zimmer, p. 22; cf. Bennett, p. 5; cf. Fries, Appendix A; cf. Wood, p. 208; cf. Nissen IVB 51; cf. Sabin 2364; cf. Ripley 13; cf. Tyler, Audubon's Great National Work, 1993, Appendix I.

#7749$150.00



AUDUBON, John James (1785-1851)

American Bittern. From "The Birds of America" (Amsterdam Edition) [Pl. 337]

[Pl. 337]. Amsterdam and New York: Johnson Reprint Corporation and Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, 1971-72. Colour-printed lithograph, on fine hand-made paper. Excellent condition. Image size (including text): 21 5/8 x 26 1/2 inches. Sheet size: 26 3/4 x 39 7/8 inches (approx).

In October 1971, employing the most faithful printing method available, the best materials and the ablest craftsmen of their age, the Amsterdam firm of Theatrum Orbis Terrarum Ltd., in conjunction with the Johnson Reprint Corporation of New York, set out to produce the finest possible limited edition facsimile of the greatest bird book ever printed: the Havell edition of John James Audubon's well-loved "Birds of America".

The Curators of the Teyler's Museum in Haarlem, Holland made their copy of the original work available for use as a model. The Museum, founded in 1778, bought their copy through Audubon's son as part of the original subscription in 1839. After long deliberation, the extremely complex but highly accurate process of colour photo-lithography was chosen as the appropriate printing method. The best exponents of this art were the renowned Dutch printing firm of NV Fotolitho Inrichting Drommel at Zandvoort who were willing to undertake the task of printing each plate in up to eight different colours.

The original Havell edition was published on hand-made rag paper and the publishers were determined that the paper of their edition should match the original. Unhappy with the commercially available papers, they turned to the traditional paper manufacturers G. Schut & Zonen (founded in 1625), who, using 100% unbleached cotton rags, were able to produce a wove paper of the highest quality, with each sheet bearing a watermark unique to the edition: G. Schut & Zonen [JR monogram] Audubon [OT monogram].

The publishers and their dedicated team completed their task late in 1972 and the results of these labours were affectionately known as the "Amsterdam Audubon." 250 copies were published and sold by subscription, with the plates available bound or unbound. Given all this careful preparation, it is not surprising that the prints have the look and feel of the original Havell edition.

John James Audubon was born in Les Cayes, Haiti on 26 April 1785. From 1788 to 1803 he lived in France until he was sent to the United States to manage an estate that his father had bought in Pennsylvania. He returned to France in 1805, but his fascination with the United States had taken root and he returned again in May 1806. He married Lucy Bakewell in 1808 and together they embarked on a difficult period financially that was only to be resolved, through Audubon's unshakable and justified belief in his own abilities, with the publication of his masterpiece in 1827-1838.

"The Birds of America" is the single greatest ornithological work ever produced and is the realization of Audubon's dream of traveling throughout the United States recording, natural size, every native bird then known. The 435 double-elephant folio sized plates, printed by the Havells of London, depict some 1,065 different species, the majority drawn from specimens that Audubon himself had captured.

The Havell edition was expensive at the time of publication and this has not changed. Possibly the last complete copy which will ever appear on the market sold for a staggering $8,802,500 in a sale in New York in March 2000. Currently, the increasingly rare individual plates from this edition, when they do appear, generally sell for between $5,000 and $175,000 depending on the image. The quality of the Amsterdam Audubon plates is apparent to any discerning collector and it is becoming ever clearer that they offer the most attractive alternative to the Havell edition plates, given the latter's spiraling prices.

Cf. Zimmer, p. 22; cf. Bennett, p. 5; cf. Fries, Appendix A; cf. Wood, p. 208; cf. Nissen IVB 51; cf. Sabin 2364; cf. Ripley 13; cf. Tyler, Audubon's Great National Work, 1993, Appendix I.

#7803$450.00



AUDUBON, John James (1785-1851)

American Coot. From "The Birds of America" (Amsterdam Edition) [Pl. 239]

[Pl. 239]. Amsterdam and New York: Johnson Reprint Corporation and Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, 1971-72. Colour-printed lithograph, on fine hand-made paper. Excellent condition. Image size (including text): 12 1/2 x 19 3/4 inches. Sheet size: 26 3/4 x 39 7/8 inches (approx).

In October 1971, employing the most faithful printing method available, the best materials and the ablest craftsmen of their age, the Amsterdam firm of Theatrum Orbis Terrarum Ltd., in conjunction with the Johnson Reprint Corporation of New York, set out to produce the finest possible limited edition facsimile of the greatest bird book ever printed: the Havell edition of John James Audubon's well-loved "Birds of America".

The Curators of the Teyler's Museum in Haarlem, Holland made their copy of the original work available for use as a model. The Museum, founded in 1778, bought their copy through Audubon's son as part of the original subscription in 1839. After long deliberation, the extremely complex but highly accurate process of colour photo-lithography was chosen as the appropriate printing method. The best exponents of this art were the renowned Dutch printing firm of NV Fotolitho Inrichting Drommel at Zandvoort who were willing to undertake the task of printing each plate in up to eight different colours.

The original Havell edition was published on hand-made rag paper and the publishers were determined that the paper of their edition should match the original. Unhappy with the commercially available papers, they turned to the traditional paper manufacturers G. Schut & Zonen (founded in 1625), who, using 100% unbleached cotton rags, were able to produce a wove paper of the highest quality, with each sheet bearing a watermark unique to the edition: G. Schut & Zonen [JR monogram] Audubon [OT monogram].

The publishers and their dedicated team completed their task late in 1972 and the results of these labours were affectionately known as the "Amsterdam Audubon." 250 copies were published and sold by subscription, with the plates available bound or unbound. Given all this careful preparation, it is not surprising that the prints have the look and feel of the original Havell edition.

John James Audubon was born in Les Cayes, Haiti on 26 April 1785. From 1788 to 1803 he lived in France until he was sent to the United States to manage an estate that his father had bought in Pennsylvania. He returned to France in 1805, but his fascination with the United States had taken root and he returned again in May 1806. He married Lucy Bakewell in 1808 and together they embarked on a difficult period financially that was only to be resolved, through Audubon's unshakable and justified belief in his own abilities, with the publication of his masterpiece in 1827-1838.

"The Birds of America" is the single greatest ornithological work ever produced and is the realization of Audubon's dream of traveling throughout the United States recording, natural size, every native bird then known. The 435 double-elephant folio sized plates, printed by the Havells of London, depict some 1,065 different species, the majority drawn from specimens that Audubon himself had captured.

The Havell edition was expensive at the time of publication and this has not changed. Possibly the last complete copy which will ever appear on the market sold for a staggering $8,802,500 in a sale in New York in March 2000. Currently, the increasingly rare individual plates from this edition, when they do appear, generally sell for between $5,000 and $175,000 depending on the image. The quality of the Amsterdam Audubon plates is apparent to any discerning collector and it is becoming ever clearer that they offer the most attractive alternative to the Havell edition plates, given the latter's spiraling prices.

Cf. Zimmer, p. 22; cf. Bennett, p. 5; cf. Fries, Appendix A; cf. Wood, p. 208; cf. Nissen IVB 51; cf. Sabin 2364; cf. Ripley 13; cf. Tyler, Audubon's Great National Work, 1993, Appendix I.

#7606$180.00



AUDUBON, John James (1785-1851)

American Cross Fox [Pl. 6]

[Pl. 6]. New York: J.J. Audubon, 1843. Lithograph, coloured by hand, by J. T. Bowen of Philadelphia. Sheet size: 21 15/16 x 28 inches.

"As long as our civilization lasts, America will be in debt to this genius." (Roger Tory Peterson).

A fine image of the American Cross Fox, from the greatest illustrated natural history work to be produced in America during the nineteenth century. The Cross Fox, a colour phase of the Red Fox is found across a wide range in the north eastern United States.

"The specimen for our drawing was caught not far from the falls of Niagara, and was purchased by John Woodhouse Audubon from the proprietor of the 'Museum,' who had kept it to gratify " (Quadrupeds, I, p.51)

This very fine plate is from the folio edition of John James Audubon's The Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America, produced entirely in the United States. The work was to be John James Audubon's last, and by 1846 he had to hand over the drawing of the final 50 or so plates to his sons. The final parts of this work of national importance were published after his death in 1851, but the images remain as a final fitting memorial to the greatest American wildlife artist who ever lived.

The production of the Quadrupeds was begun by John James Audubon and his sons at about the same as the commercially-successful octavo edition of The Birds of America. Unlike the double-elephant folio, the Quadrupeds was produced entirely in the United States. William Reese notes that "By 1843 the Audubon family business was a well-oiled machine, involving John James, his two sons, Victor and John Woodhouse, and various in-laws and friends. The octavo Birds was still in production when J.T. Bowen began to produce the plates for the elephant folio edition of the Quadrupeds, the largest successful color plate book project of 19th-century America. It took the family five years to publish 150 plates in thirty parts. The massive project was a commercial success, thanks to the close management of Victor. There were about three hundred subscribers." (Stamped with a National Character pp.58-59).

Cf. Bennett, p. 5; cf. Reese Stamped With A National Character 36; cf. Sabin 2367; cf. Wood, p. 209

#5685$4,800.00



AUDUBON, John James (1785-1851)

American Crossbill. From "The Birds of America" (Amsterdam Edition) [Pl. 197]

[Pl. 197]. Amsterdam and New York: Johnson Reprint Corporation and Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, 1971-72. Colour-printed lithograph, on fine hand-made paper. Excellent condition. Image size (including text): 24 1/2 x 19 1/4 inches. Sheet size: 26 3/4 x 39 7/8 inches (approx).

In October 1971, employing the most faithful printing method available, the best materials and the ablest craftsmen of their age, the Amsterdam firm of Theatrum Orbis Terrarum Ltd., in conjunction with the Johnson Reprint Corporation of New York, set out to produce the finest possible limited edition facsimile of the greatest bird book ever printed: the Havell edition of John James Audubon's well-loved "Birds of America".

The Curators of the Teyler's Museum in Haarlem, Holland made their copy of the original work available for use as a model. The Museum, founded in 1778, bought their copy through Audubon's son as part of the original subscription in 1839. After long deliberation, the extremely complex but highly accurate process of colour photo-lithography was chosen as the appropriate printing method. The best exponents of this art were the renowned Dutch printing firm of NV Fotolitho Inrichting Drommel at Zandvoort who were willing to undertake the task of printing each plate in up to eight different colours.

The original Havell edition was published on hand-made rag paper and the publishers were determined that the paper of their edition should match the original. Unhappy with the commercially available papers, they turned to the traditional paper manufacturers G. Schut & Zonen (founded in 1625), who, using 100% unbleached cotton rags, were able to produce a wove paper of the highest quality, with each sheet bearing a watermark unique to the edition: G. Schut & Zonen [JR monogram] Audubon [OT monogram].

The publishers and their dedicated team completed their task late in 1972 and the results of these labours were affectionately known as the "Amsterdam Audubon." 250 copies were published and sold by subscription, with the plates available bound or unbound. Given all this careful preparation, it is not surprising that the prints have the look and feel of the original Havell edition.

John James Audubon was born in Les Cayes, Haiti on 26 April 1785. From 1788 to 1803 he lived in France until he was sent to the United States to manage an estate that his father had bought in Pennsylvania. He returned to France in 1805, but his fascination with the United States had taken root and he returned again in May 1806. He married Lucy Bakewell in 1808 and together they embarked on a difficult period financially that was only to be resolved, through Audubon's unshakable and justified belief in his own abilities, with the publication of his masterpiece in 1827-1838.

"The Birds of America" is the single greatest ornithological work ever produced and is the realization of Audubon's dream of traveling throughout the United States recording, natural size, every native bird then known. The 435 double-elephant folio sized plates, printed by the Havells of London, depict some 1,065 different species, the majority drawn from specimens that Audubon himself had captured.

The Havell edition was expensive at the time of publication and this has not changed. Possibly the last complete copy which will ever appear on the market sold for a staggering $8,802,500 in a sale in New York in March 2000. Currently, the increasingly rare individual plates from this edition, when they do appear, generally sell for between $5,000 and $175,000 depending on the image. The quality of the Amsterdam Audubon plates is apparent to any discerning collector and it is becoming ever clearer that they offer the most attractive alternative to the Havell edition plates, given the latter's spiraling prices.

Cf. Zimmer, p. 22; cf. Bennett, p. 5; cf. Fries, Appendix A; cf. Wood, p. 208; cf. Nissen IVB 51; cf. Sabin 2364; cf. Ripley 13; cf. Tyler, Audubon's Great National Work, 1993, Appendix I.

#7548$225.00



AUDUBON, John James (1785-1851)

American Elk, Wapiti Deer [Pl. 62]

[Pl. 62]. New York: V.G. Audubon, [no date but circa 1849-1854]. Hand-coloured lithograph, after J.J. Audubon by E. Hitchcock, printed by J.T. Bowen. Very good condition apart from some slight marginal soiling. Image size (including text): 6 x 8 inches. Sheet size: 7 x 10 1/4 inches.

'The plates are to my eye most beautiful' (John Bachman). A fine image from the first octavo edition of Audubon's final great natural history work on the quadrupeds of the United States (including Texas, California and Oregon), as well as part of Mexico, the British and Russian possessions and the Arctic regions.

With the success of the octavo edition of the "Birds of America" in mind, a similar edition of the Quadrupeds was envisaged from an early stage. The folio edition was published in 30 numbers between 1845 and 1854, and publication of the first octavo edition began in 1849 and was also completed in 1854. The "Quadrupeds is a natural-history and artistic triumph. Audubon, James Bachman, John [Woodhouse Audubon], who painted fully one-half of the animals, and Victor [Audubon] and Maria Martin, who supplied many of the backgrounds, had produced truly exceptional work for the Quadrupeds.... the subscribers saw that Audubon had brought the same liveliness and sense of movement to the animals that characterized his birds... Still other viewers... realized that, just as with the Birds, the landscapes played a significant role in these compositions: they told something of the animal's habitat and provided visual interest for the viewer... [Audubon wrote] 'I cannot help copying nature.' That is Audubon's ultimate virtue." (Ron Tyler 'The Publication of The Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America' in John James Audubon in the West The Last Expedition, New York, 2000, pp.177-182.)

Bennett, p. 5; Nissen ZBI 163; Reese Stamped With A National Character 38; Wood, p. 208

#12075$575.00



AUDUBON, John James (1785-1851)

American Flamingo (Adult Male) [Pl. 375]

[Pl. 375]. New York & Philadelphia: J.J.Audubon and J.B.Chevalier, [1839-] 1840-1844. Hand-coloured lithograph, after J.J. Audubon. Very good condition apart from some slight offsetting. Image size (including text): 7 3/8 x 5 1/2 inches. Sheet size: 10 1/4 x 6 3/8 inches.

A fine print from the first octavo edition of "The Birds of America": one of the "most beautiful, popular, and important natural history [works] published in America..." (Ron Tyler)

Shortly after the publication of the hugely successful Havell edition of 'The Birds of America', Audubon issued the first royal octavo edition of this great work, the plates from which now represent the only realistic opportunity for collectors to own Audubon images in a form that was overseen and approved by the great artist himself. Its publication may have been inspired by the overwhelming public demand for his prints and his wish that a work similar to the original be published 'at such a price, as would enable every student or lover of nature to place it in his Library'. With its smaller plates, each of which depicts a single species, the octavo edition was certainly more accessible than the double-elephant Havell folio.

The octavo edition was a multifaceted undertaking that gave Audubon an invaluable opportunity to substantially improve and enhance the original. Above all, the octavo version allowed him to scientifically arrange his subjects by genus and species and to include several newly discovered species of Western birds. Originally issued in 100 parts, each containing five plates executed by the Philadelphia lithographer J.T. Bowen, it was sold solely by subscription and proved so successful that seven later editions were subsequently issued.

John James Audubon was born in Les Cayes, Haiti on 26 April 1785. He lived in France from 1788 to 1803, after which time he was sent to the United States to manage an estate that his father bought in Pennsylvania. In 1805, he briefly moved back to France; however, his fascination with the United States had taken root, and he returned there in May 1806. He married Lucy Bakewell in 1808, and together they embarked on a difficult period financially that was only to be resolved, through Audubon's unshakable and justified belief in his own abilities, with the publication of his masterpiece 'Birds in America'

Cf. Bennett p.5; cf. Nissen IVB 51; cf. Ripley 13; cf. Ron Tyler, Audubon's Great National Work (1993) Appendix I; cf. Sabin 2364; cf. Zimmer p.22

#16964$3,600.00



AUDUBON, John James (1785-1851)

American Flamingo. From "The Birds of America" (Amsterdam Edition) [Pl. 431]

[Pl. 431]. Amsterdam and New York: Johnson Reprint Corporation and Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, 1971-72. Colour-printed lithograph, on fine hand-made paper. Excellent condition. Image size (including text): 37 x 24 1/2 inches. Sheet size: 26 3/4 x 39 7/8 inches (approx).

In October 1971, employing the most faithful printing method available, the best materials and the ablest craftsmen of their age, the Amsterdam firm of Theatrum Orbis Terrarum Ltd., in conjunction with the Johnson Reprint Corporation of New York, set out to produce the finest possible limited edition facsimile of the greatest bird book ever printed: the Havell edition of John James Audubon's well-loved "Birds of America".

The Curators of the Teyler's Museum in Haarlem, Holland made their copy of the original work available for use as a model. The Museum, founded in 1778, bought their copy through Audubon's son as part of the original subscription in 1839. After long deliberation, the extremely complex but highly accurate process of colour photo-lithography was chosen as the appropriate printing method. The best exponents of this art were the renowned Dutch printing firm of NV Fotolitho Inrichting Drommel at Zandvoort who were willing to undertake the task of printing each plate in up to eight different colours.

The original Havell edition was published on hand-made rag paper and the publishers were determined that the paper of their edition should match the original. Unhappy with the commercially available papers, they turned to the traditional paper manufacturers G. Schut & Zonen (founded in 1625), who, using 100% unbleached cotton rags, were able to produce a wove paper of the highest quality, with each sheet bearing a watermark unique to the edition: G. Schut & Zonen [JR monogram] Audubon [OT monogram].

The publishers and their dedicated team completed their task late in 1972 and the results of these labours were affectionately known as the "Amsterdam Audubon." 250 copies were published and sold by subscription, with the plates available bound or unbound. Given all this careful preparation, it is not surprising that the prints have the look and feel of the original Havell edition.

John James Audubon was born in Les Cayes, Haiti on 26 April 1785. From 1788 to 1803 he lived in France until he was sent to the United States to manage an estate that his father had bought in Pennsylvania. He returned to France in 1805, but his fascination with the United States had taken root and he returned again in May 1806. He married Lucy Bakewell in 1808 and together they embarked on a difficult period financially that was only to be resolved, through Audubon's unshakable and justified belief in his own abilities, with the publication of his masterpiece in 1827-1838.

"The Birds of America" is the single greatest ornithological work ever produced and is the realization of Audubon's dream of traveling throughout the United States recording, natural size, every native bird then known. The 435 double-elephant folio sized plates, printed by the Havells of London, depict some 1,065 different species, the majority drawn from specimens that Audubon himself had captured.

The Havell edition was expensive at the time of publication and this has not changed. Possibly the last complete copy which will ever appear on the market sold for a staggering $8,802,500 in a sale in New York in March 2000. Currently, the increasingly rare individual plates from this edition, when they do appear, generally sell for between $5,000 and $175,000 depending on the image. The quality of the Amsterdam Audubon plates is apparent to any discerning collector and it is becoming ever clearer that they offer the most attractive alternative to the Havell edition plates, given the latter's spiraling prices.

Cf. Zimmer, p. 22; cf. Bennett, p. 5; cf. Fries, Appendix A; cf. Wood, p. 208; cf. Nissen IVB 51; cf. Sabin 2364; cf. Ripley 13; cf. Tyler, Audubon's Great National Work, 1993, Appendix I.

#7938$4,000.00



AUDUBON, John James (1785-1851)

American Magpie. From "The Birds of America" (Amsterdam Edition) [Pl. 357]

[Pl. 357]. Amsterdam and New York: Johnson Reprint Corporation and Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, 1971-72. Colour-printed lithograph, on fine hand-made paper. Excellent condition. Image size (including text): 24 5/8 x 20 3/8 inches. Sheet size: 26 3/4 x 39 7/8 inches (approx).

In October 1971, employing the most faithful printing method available, the best materials and the ablest craftsmen of their age, the Amsterdam firm of Theatrum Orbis Terrarum Ltd., in conjunction with the Johnson Reprint Corporation of New York, set out to produce the finest possible limited edition facsimile of the greatest bird book ever printed: the Havell edition of John James Audubon's well-loved "Birds of America".

The Curators of the Teyler's Museum in Haarlem, Holland made their copy of the original work available for use as a model. The Museum, founded in 1778, bought their copy through Audubon's son as part of the original subscription in 1839. After long deliberation, the extremely complex but highly accurate process of colour photo-lithography was chosen as the appropriate printing method. The best exponents of this art were the renowned Dutch printing firm of NV Fotolitho Inrichting Drommel at Zandvoort who were willing to undertake the task of printing each plate in up to eight different colours.

The original Havell edition was published on hand-made rag paper and the publishers were determined that the paper of their edition should match the original. Unhappy with the commercially available papers, they turned to the traditional paper manufacturers G. Schut & Zonen (founded in 1625), who, using 100% unbleached cotton rags, were able to produce a wove paper of the highest quality, with each sheet bearing a watermark unique to the edition: G. Schut & Zonen [JR monogram] Audubon [OT monogram].

The publishers and their dedicated team completed their task late in 1972 and the results of these labours were affectionately known as the "Amsterdam Audubon." 250 copies were published and sold by subscription, with the plates available bound or unbound. Given all this careful preparation, it is not surprising that the prints have the look and feel of the original Havell edition.

John James Audubon was born in Les Cayes, Haiti on 26 April 1785. From 1788 to 1803 he lived in France until he was sent to the United States to manage an estate that his father had bought in Pennsylvania. He returned to France in 1805, but his fascination with the United States had taken root and he returned again in May 1806. He married Lucy Bakewell in 1808 and together they embarked on a difficult period financially that was only to be resolved, through Audubon's unshakable and justified belief in his own abilities, with the publication of his masterpiece in 1827-1838.

"The Birds of America" is the single greatest ornithological work ever produced and is the realization of Audubon's dream of traveling throughout the United States recording, natural size, every native bird then known. The 435 double-elephant folio sized plates, printed by the Havells of London, depict some 1,065 different species, the majority drawn from specimens that Audubon himself had captured.

The Havell edition was expensive at the time of publication and this has not changed. Possibly the last complete copy which will ever appear on the market sold for a staggering $8,802,500 in a sale in New York in March 2000. Currently, the increasingly rare individual plates from this edition, when they do appear, generally sell for between $5,000 and $175,000 depending on the image. The quality of the Amsterdam Audubon plates is apparent to any discerning collector and it is becoming ever clearer that they offer the most attractive alternative to the Havell edition plates, given the latter's spiraling prices.

Cf. Zimmer, p. 22; cf. Bennett, p. 5; cf. Fries, Appendix A; cf. Wood, p. 208; cf. Nissen IVB 51; cf. Sabin 2364; cf. Ripley 13; cf. Tyler, Audubon's Great National Work, 1993, Appendix I.

#7830$300.00



AUDUBON, John James (1785-1851)

American Pied-bill Dobchick. From "The Birds of America" (Amsterdam Edition) [Pl. 248]

[Pl. 248]. Amsterdam and New York: Johnson Reprint Corporation and Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, 1971-72. Colour-printed lithograph, on fine hand-made paper. Excellent condition. Image size (including text): 14 x 21 inches. Sheet size: 26 3/4 x 39 7/8 inches (approx).

In October 1971, employing the most faithful printing method available, the best materials and the ablest craftsmen of their age, the Amsterdam firm of Theatrum Orbis Terrarum Ltd., in conjunction with the Johnson Reprint Corporation of New York, set out to produce the finest possible limited edition facsimile of the greatest bird book ever printed: the Havell edition of John James Audubon's well-loved "Birds of America".

The Curators of the Teyler's Museum in Haarlem, Holland made their copy of the original work available for use as a model. The Museum, founded in 1778, bought their copy through Audubon's son as part of the original subscription in 1839. After long deliberation, the extremely complex but highly accurate process of colour photo-lithography was chosen as the appropriate printing method. The best exponents of this art were the renowned Dutch printing firm of NV Fotolitho Inrichting Drommel at Zandvoort who were willing to undertake the task of printing each plate in up to eight different colours.

The original Havell edition was published on hand-made rag paper and the publishers were determined that the paper of their edition should match the original. Unhappy with the commercially available papers, they turned to the traditional paper manufacturers G. Schut & Zonen (founded in 1625), who, using 100% unbleached cotton rags, were able to produce a wove paper of the highest quality, with each sheet bearing a watermark unique to the edition: G. Schut & Zonen [JR monogram] Audubon [OT monogram].

The publishers and their dedicated team completed their task late in 1972 and the results of these labours were affectionately known as the "Amsterdam Audubon." 250 copies were published and sold by subscription, with the plates available bound or unbound. Given all this careful preparation, it is not surprising that the prints have the look and feel of the original Havell edition.

John James Audubon was born in Les Cayes, Haiti on 26 April 1785. From 1788 to 1803 he lived in France until he was sent to the United States to manage an estate that his father had bought in Pennsylvania. He returned to France in 1805, but his fascination with the United States had taken root and he returned again in May 1806. He married Lucy Bakewell in 1808 and together they embarked on a difficult period financially that was only to be resolved, through Audubon's unshakable and justified belief in his own abilities, with the publication of his masterpiece in 1827-1838.

"The Birds of America" is the single greatest ornithological work ever produced and is the realization of Audubon's dream of traveling throughout the United States recording, natural size, every native bird then known. The 435 double-elephant folio sized plates, printed by the Havells of London, depict some 1,065 different species, the majority drawn from specimens that Audubon himself had captured.

The Havell edition was expensive at the time of publication and this has not changed. Possibly the last complete copy which will ever appear on the market sold for a staggering $8,802,500 in a sale in New York in March 2000. Currently, the increasingly rare individual plates from this edition, when they do appear, generally sell for between $5,000 and $175,000 depending on the image. The quality of the Amsterdam Audubon plates is apparent to any discerning collector and it is becoming ever clearer that they offer the most attractive alternative to the Havell edition plates, given the latter's spiraling prices.

Cf. Zimmer, p. 22; cf. Bennett, p. 5; cf. Fries, Appendix A; cf. Wood, p. 208; cf. Nissen IVB 51; cf. Sabin 2364; cf. Ripley 13; cf. Tyler, Audubon's Great National Work, 1993, Appendix I.

#7625$200.00



AUDUBON, John James (1785-1851)

American Robin. From "The Birds of America" (Amsterdam Edition) [Pl. 131]

[Pl. 131]. Amsterdam and New York: Johnson Reprint Corporation and Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, 1971-72. Colour-printed lithograph, on fine hand-made paper. Excellent condition. Image size (including text): 36 1/2 x 24 inches. Sheet size: 26 3/4 x 39 7/8 inches (approx).

In October 1971, employing the most faithful printing method available, the best materials and the ablest craftsmen of their age, the Amsterdam firm of Theatrum Orbis Terrarum Ltd., in conjunction with the Johnson Reprint Corporation of New York, set out to produce the finest possible limited edition facsimile of the greatest bird book ever printed: the Havell edition of John James Audubon's well-loved "Birds of America".

The Curators of the Teyler's Museum in Haarlem, Holland made their copy of the original work available for use as a model. The Museum, founded in 1778, bought their copy through Audubon's son as part of the original subscription in 1839. After long deliberation, the extremely complex but highly accurate process of colour photo-lithography was chosen as the appropriate printing method. The best exponents of this art were the renowned Dutch printing firm of NV Fotolitho Inrichting Drommel at Zandvoort who were willing to undertake the task of printing each plate in up to eight different colours.

The original Havell edition was published on hand-made rag paper and the publishers were determined that the paper of their edition should match the original. Unhappy with the commercially available papers, they turned to the traditional paper manufacturers G. Schut & Zonen (founded in 1625), who, using 100% unbleached cotton rags, were able to produce a wove paper of the highest quality, with each sheet bearing a watermark unique to the edition: G. Schut & Zonen [JR monogram] Audubon [OT monogram].

The publishers and their dedicated team completed their task late in 1972 and the results of these labours were affectionately known as the "Amsterdam Audubon." 250 copies were published and sold by subscription, with the plates available bound or unbound. Given all this careful preparation, it is not surprising that the prints have the look and feel of the original Havell edition.

John James Audubon was born in Les Cayes, Haiti on 26 April 1785. From 1788 to 1803 he lived in France until he was sent to the United States to manage an estate that his father had bought in Pennsylvania. He returned to France in 1805, but his fascination with the United States had taken root and he returned again in May 1806. He married Lucy Bakewell in 1808 and together they embarked on a difficult period financially that was only to be resolved, through Audubon's unshakable and justified belief in his own abilities, with the publication of his masterpiece in 1827-1838.

"The Birds of America" is the single greatest ornithological work ever produced and is the realization of Audubon's dream of traveling throughout the United States recording, natural size, every native bird then known. The 435 double-elephant folio sized plates, printed by the Havells of London, depict some 1,065 different species, the majority drawn from specimens that Audubon himself had captured.

The Havell edition was expensive at the time of publication and this has not changed. Possibly the last complete copy which will ever appear on the market sold for a staggering $8,802,500 in a sale in New York in March 2000. Currently, the increasingly rare individual plates from this edition, when they do appear, generally sell for between $5,000 and $175,000 depending on the image. The quality of the Amsterdam Audubon plates is apparent to any discerning collector and it is becoming ever clearer that they offer the most attractive alternative to the Havell edition plates, given the latter's spiraling prices.

Cf. Zimmer, p. 22; cf. Bennett, p. 5; cf. Fries, Appendix A; cf. Wood, p. 208; cf. Nissen IVB 51; cf. Sabin 2364; cf. Ripley 13; cf. Tyler, Audubon's Great National Work, 1993, Appendix I.

#7470$900.00



AUDUBON, John James (1785-1851)

American Scoter Duck [Black Scoter] [Pl. 408]

[Pl. 408]. Hand-coloured engraving with aquatint and etching by R. Havell, 1838, paper watermarked "J. Whatman/1837". Sheet size: 25 3/8 x 37 7/8 inches.

From the first edition of "The Birds of America."

Audubon here pictures a breeding pair during the winter, in a coastal lagoon perhaps, the orange patch on the male's bill muted when compared to its spring colours. The urgency of the earlier season laid aside, they paddle companionably on the brackish waters, the male's feet visible but slightly magnified by the refraction of the water.

"On the 11th of July, 1833, a nest of this bird was found by my young companions in Labrador...I afterwards found a female with seven young ones, of which she took such effectual care that none of them fell into our hands. On several occasions, when they were fatigued by diving, she received them all on her back, and swimming deeply, though very fast, took them to the shore, where the little things lay close among the tall grass and low tangled bushes...This bird usually flies low over the water, although the flight is swift and well sustained. On land it moves more awkwardly than the Eider Duck, but in diving it is perhaps superior to that species. During their stay along our shores, they congregate in vast multitudes...It sometimes happens that during violent gales the Scoter is forced into fresh water rivers, from which, however, it returns to the salt bays, inlets, or outer sandy shallows of the coast, as soon as the weather permits. They are extremely abundant about Boston, New York, and New Jersey shores, and the Chesapeake; but less so to the southwards, until you reach the salt lakes about New Orleans" (J. J. Audubon, The Birds of America, New York & Philadelphia: 1840-1844, vol. VII, pp.54-55). All three Scoter species were once known as "coots," and "this species, solid black with a bright yellow or orange swelling on its beak was known as the "butternose coot...It has a curiously disjunct breeding range in North America, nesting in Alaska and locally in northeastern Canada, but seemingly not in between. However, there are tens of thousands of lakes across northern Canada that have not been scrutinized...The black scoter is better known in winter when it resorts to the coasts -- on the Pacific side from Alaska to Oregon and on the Atlantic coast from the Gulf of St. Lawrence to the Carolinas and, rarely, the Gulf states" (R. T. & V. M. Peterson, Audubon's Birds of America, London: 1981, no. 81).

Susanne M. Low, A Guide to Audubon's Birds of America, New Haven & New York: 2002, p.210.

#4352$9,500.00



AUDUBON, John James (1785-1851)

American Scoter Duck. From "The Birds of America" (Amsterdam Edition) [Pl. 408]

[Pl. 408]. Amsterdam and New York: Johnson Reprint Corporation and Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, 1971-72. Colour-printed lithograph, on fine hand-made paper. Excellent condition. Image size (including text): 16 x 21 1/8 inches. Sheet size: 26 3/4 x 39 7/8 inches (approx).

In October 1971, employing the most faithful printing method available, the best materials and the ablest craftsmen of their age, the Amsterdam firm of Theatrum Orbis Terrarum Ltd., in conjunction with the Johnson Reprint Corporation of New York, set out to produce the finest possible limited edition facsimile of the greatest bird book ever printed: the Havell edition of John James Audubon's well-loved "Birds of America".

The Curators of the Teyler's Museum in Haarlem, Holland made their copy of the original work available for use as a model. The Museum, founded in 1778, bought their copy through Audubon's son as part of the original subscription in 1839. After long deliberation, the extremely complex but highly accurate process of colour photo-lithography was chosen as the appropriate printing method. The best exponents of this art were the renowned Dutch printing firm of NV Fotolitho Inrichting Drommel at Zandvoort who were willing to undertake the task of printing each plate in up to eight different colours.

The original Havell edition was published on hand-made rag paper and the publishers were determined that the paper of their edition should match the original. Unhappy with the commercially available papers, they turned to the traditional paper manufacturers G. Schut & Zonen (founded in 1625), who, using 100% unbleached cotton rags, were able to produce a wove paper of the highest quality, with each sheet bearing a watermark unique to the edition: G. Schut & Zonen [JR monogram] Audubon [OT monogram].

The publishers and their dedicated team completed their task late in 1972 and the results of these labours were affectionately known as the "Amsterdam Audubon." 250 copies were published and sold by subscription, with the plates available bound or unbound. Given all this careful preparation, it is not surprising that the prints have the look and feel of the original Havell edition.

John James Audubon was born in Les Cayes, Haiti on 26 April 1785. From 1788 to 1803 he lived in France until he was sent to the United States to manage an estate that his father had bought in Pennsylvania. He returned to France in 1805, but his fascination with the United States had taken root and he returned again in May 1806. He married Lucy Bakewell in 1808 and together they embarked on a difficult period financially that was only to be resolved, through Audubon's unshakable and justified belief in his own abilities, with the publication of his masterpiece in 1827-1838.

"The Birds of America" is the single greatest ornithological work ever produced and is the realization of Audubon's dream of traveling throughout the United States recording, natural size, every native bird then known. The 435 double-elephant folio sized plates, printed by the Havells of London, depict some 1,065 different species, the majority drawn from specimens that Audubon himself had captured.

The Havell edition was expensive at the time of publication and this has not changed. Possibly the last complete copy which will ever appear on the market sold for a staggering $8,802,500 in a sale in New York in March 2000. Currently, the increasingly rare individual plates from this edition, when they do appear, generally sell for between $5,000 and $175,000 depending on the image. The quality of the Amsterdam Audubon plates is apparent to any discerning collector and it is becoming ever clearer that they offer the most attractive alternative to the Havell edition plates, given the latter's spiraling prices.

Cf. Zimmer, p. 22; cf. Bennett, p. 5; cf. Fries, Appendix A; cf. Wood, p. 208; cf. Nissen IVB 51; cf. Sabin 2364; cf. Ripley 13; cf. Tyler, Audubon's Great National Work, 1993, Appendix I.

#7908$170.00



AUDUBON, John James (1785-1851)

American Snipe. From "The Birds of America" (Amsterdam Edition) [Pl. 243]

[Pl. 243]. Amsterdam and New York: Johnson Reprint Corporation and Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, 1971-72. Colour-printed lithograph, on fine hand-made paper. Excellent condition. Image size (including text): 12 x 18 inches. Sheet size: 26 3/4 x 39 7/8 inches (approx).

In October 1971, employing the most faithful printing method available, the best materials and the ablest craftsmen of their age, the Amsterdam firm of Theatrum Orbis Terrarum Ltd., in conjunction with the Johnson Reprint Corporation of New York, set out to produce the finest possible limited edition facsimile of the greatest bird book ever printed: the Havell edition of John James Audubon's well-loved "Birds of America".

The Curators of the Teyler's Museum in Haarlem, Holland made their copy of the original work available for use as a model. The Museum, founded in 1778, bought their copy through Audubon's son as part of the original subscription in 1839. After long deliberation, the extremely complex but highly accurate process of colour photo-lithography was chosen as the appropriate printing method. The best exponents of this art were the renowned Dutch printing firm of NV Fotolitho Inrichting Drommel at Zandvoort who were willing to undertake the task of printing each plate in up to eight different colours.

The original Havell edition was published on hand-made rag paper and the publishers were determined that the paper of their edition should match the original. Unhappy with the commercially available papers, they turned to the traditional paper manufacturers G. Schut & Zonen (founded in 1625), who, using 100% unbleached cotton rags, were able to produce a wove paper of the highest quality, with each sheet bearing a watermark unique to the edition: G. Schut & Zonen [JR monogram] Audubon [OT monogram].

The publishers and their dedicated team completed their task late in 1972 and the results of these labours were affectionately known as the "Amsterdam Audubon." 250 copies were published and sold by subscription, with the plates available bound or unbound. Given all this careful preparation, it is not surprising that the prints have the look and feel of the original Havell edition.

John James Audubon was born in Les Cayes, Haiti on 26 April 1785. From 1788 to 1803 he lived in France until he was sent to the United States to manage an estate that his father had bought in Pennsylvania. He returned to France in 1805, but his fascination with the United States had taken root and he returned again in May 1806. He married Lucy Bakewell in 1808 and together they embarked on a difficult period financially that was only to be resolved, through Audubon's unshakable and justified belief in his own abilities, with the publication of his masterpiece in 1827-1838.

"The Birds of America" is the single greatest ornithological work ever produced and is the realization of Audubon's dream of traveling throughout the United States recording, natural size, every native bird then known. The 435 double-elephant folio sized plates, printed by the Havells of London, depict some 1,065 different species, the majority drawn from specimens that Audubon himself had captured.

The Havell edition was expensive at the time of publication and this has not changed. Possibly the last complete copy which will ever appear on the market sold for a staggering $8,802,500 in a sale in New York in March 2000. Currently, the increasingly rare individual plates from this edition, when they do appear, generally sell for between $5,000 and $175,000 depending on the image. The quality of the Amsterdam Audubon plates is apparent to any discerning collector and it is becoming ever clearer that they offer the most attractive alternative to the Havell edition plates, given the latter's spiraling prices.

Cf. Zimmer, p. 22; cf. Bennett, p. 5; cf. Fries, Appendix A; cf. Wood, p. 208; cf. Nissen IVB 51; cf. Sabin 2364; cf. Ripley 13; cf. Tyler, Audubon's Great National Work, 1993, Appendix I.

#7614$300.00



AUDUBON, John James (1785-1851)

American Swan [Pl. 384]

[Pl. 384]. New York & Philadelphia: J.J.Audubon and J.B.Chevalier, [1839-] 1840-1844. Hand-coloured lithograph, after J.J. Audubon by J.T. Bowen. Very good condition . Image size (including text): 5 1/4 x 7 7/8 inches. Sheet size: 6 1/2 x 10 1/4 inches.

A fine print from the first octavo edition of "The Birds of America": one of the "most beautiful, popular, and important natural history [works] published in America..." (Ron Tyler)

Shortly after the publication of the hugely successful Havell edition of 'The Birds of America', Audubon issued the first royal octavo edition of this great work, the plates from which now represent the only realistic opportunity for collectors to own Audubon images in a form that was overseen and approved by the great artist himself. Its publication may have been inspired by the overwhelming public demand for his prints and his wish that a work similar to the original be published 'at such a price, as would enable every student or lover of nature to place it in his Library'. With its smaller plates, each of which depicts a single species, the octavo edition was certainly more accessible than the double-elephant Havell folio.

The octavo edition was a multifaceted undertaking that gave Audubon an invaluable opportunity to substantially improve and enhance the original. Above all, the octavo version allowed him to scientifically arrange his subjects by genus and species and to include several newly discovered species of Western birds. Originally issued in 100 parts, each containing five plates executed by the Philadelphia lithographer J.T. Bowen, it was sold solely by subscription and proved so successful that seven later editions were subsequently issued.

John James Audubon was born in Les Cayes, Haiti on 26 April 1785. He lived in France from 1788 to 1803, after which time he was sent to the United States to manage an estate that his father bought in Pennsylvania. In 1805, he briefly moved back to France; however, his fascination with the United States had taken root, and he returned there in May 1806. He married Lucy Bakewell in 1808, and together they embarked on a difficult period financially that was only to be resolved, through Audubon's unshakable and justified belief in his own abilities, with the publication of his masterpiece 'Birds in America'

Cf. Bennett p.5; cf. Nissen IVB 51; cf. Ripley 13; cf. Ron Tyler, Audubon's Great National Work (1993) Appendix I; cf. Sabin 2364; cf. Zimmer p.22

#17515$1,750.00



AUDUBON, John James (1785-1851)

American Water Ouzel. From "The Birds of America" (Amsterdam Edition) [Pl. 370]

[Pl. 370]. Amsterdam and New York: Johnson Reprint Corporation and Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, 1971-72. Colour-printed lithograph, on fine hand-made paper. Excellent condition. Image size (including text): 11 7/8 x 18 1/8 inches. Sheet size: 26 3/4 x 39 7/8 inches (approx).

In October 1971, employing the most faithful printing method available, the best materials and the ablest craftsmen of their age, the Amsterdam firm of Theatrum Orbis Terrarum Ltd., in conjunction with the Johnson Reprint Corporation of New York, set out to produce the finest possible limited edition facsimile of the greatest bird book ever printed: the Havell edition of John James Audubon's well-loved "Birds of America".

The Curators of the Teyler's Museum in Haarlem, Holland made their copy of the original work available for use as a model. The Museum, founded in 1778, bought their copy through Audubon's son as part of the original subscription in 1839. After long deliberation, the extremely complex but highly accurate process of colour photo-lithography was chosen as the appropriate printing method. The best exponents of this art were the renowned Dutch printing firm of NV Fotolitho Inrichting Drommel at Zandvoort who were willing to undertake the task of printing each plate in up to eight different colours.

The original Havell edition was published on hand-made rag paper and the publishers were determined that the paper of their edition should match the original. Unhappy with the commercially available papers, they turned to the traditional paper manufacturers G. Schut & Zonen (founded in 1625), who, using 100% unbleached cotton rags, were able to produce a wove paper of the highest quality, with each sheet bearing a watermark unique to the edition: G. Schut & Zonen [JR monogram] Audubon [OT monogram].

The publishers and their dedicated team completed their task late in 1972 and the results of these labours were affectionately known as the "Amsterdam Audubon." 250 copies were published and sold by subscription, with the plates available bound or unbound. Given all this careful preparation, it is not surprising that the prints have the look and feel of the original Havell edition.

John James Audubon was born in Les Cayes, Haiti on 26 April 1785. From 1788 to 1803 he lived in France until he was sent to the United States to manage an estate that his father had bought in Pennsylvania. He returned to France in 1805, but his fascination with the United States had taken root and he returned again in May 1806. He married Lucy Bakewell in 1808 and together they embarked on a difficult period financially that was only to be resolved, through Audubon's unshakable and justified belief in his own abilities, with the publication of his masterpiece in 1827-1838.

"The Birds of America" is the single greatest ornithological work ever produced and is the realization of Audubon's dream of traveling throughout the United States recording, natural size, every native bird then known. The 435 double-elephant folio sized plates, printed by the Havells of London, depict some 1,065 different species, the majority drawn from specimens that Audubon himself had captured.

The Havell edition was expensive at the time of publication and this has not changed. Possibly the last complete copy which will ever appear on the market sold for a staggering $8,802,500 in a sale in New York in March 2000. Currently, the increasingly rare individual plates from this edition, when they do appear, generally sell for between $5,000 and $175,000 depending on the image. The quality of the Amsterdam Audubon plates is apparent to any discerning collector and it is becoming ever clearer that they offer the most attractive alternative to the Havell edition plates, given the latter's spiraling prices.

Cf. Zimmer, p. 22; cf. Bennett, p. 5; cf. Fries, Appendix A; cf. Wood, p. 208; cf. Nissen IVB 51; cf. Sabin 2364; cf. Ripley 13; cf. Tyler, Audubon's Great National Work, 1993, Appendix I.

#7849$110.00



AUDUBON, John James (1785-1851)

American White Pelican. From "The Birds of America" (Amsterdam Edition) [Pl. 311]

[Pl. 311]. Amsterdam and New York: Johnson Reprint Corporation and Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, 1971-72. Colour-printed lithograph, on fine hand-made paper. Excellent condition. Image size (including text): 37 x 23 1/2 inches. Sheet size: 26 3/4 x 39 7/8 inches (approx).

In October 1971, employing the most faithful printing method available, the best materials and the ablest craftsmen of their age, the Amsterdam firm of Theatrum Orbis Terrarum Ltd., in conjunction with the Johnson Reprint Corporation of New York, set out to produce the finest possible limited edition facsimile of the greatest bird book ever printed: the Havell edition of John James Audubon's well-loved "Birds of America".

The Curators of the Teyler's Museum in Haarlem, Holland made their copy of the original work available for use as a model. The Museum, founded in 1778, bought their copy through Audubon's son as part of the original subscription in 1839. After long deliberation, the extremely complex but highly accurate process of colour photo-lithography was chosen as the appropriate printing method. The best exponents of this art were the renowned Dutch printing firm of NV Fotolitho Inrichting Drommel at Zandvoort who were willing to undertake the task of printing each plate in up to eight different colours.

The original Havell edition was published on hand-made rag paper and the publishers were determined that the paper of their edition should match the original. Unhappy with the commercially available papers, they turned to the traditional paper manufacturers G. Schut & Zonen (founded in 1625), who, using 100% unbleached cotton rags, were able to produce a wove paper of the highest quality, with each sheet bearing a watermark unique to the edition: G. Schut & Zonen [JR monogram] Audubon [OT monogram].

The publishers and their dedicated team completed their task late in 1972 and the results of these labours were affectionately known as the "Amsterdam Audubon." 250 copies were published and sold by subscription, with the plates available bound or unbound. Given all this careful preparation, it is not surprising that the prints have the look and feel of the original Havell edition.

John James Audubon was born in Les Cayes, Haiti on 26 April 1785. From 1788 to 1803 he lived in France until he was sent to the United States to manage an estate that his father had bought in Pennsylvania. He returned to France in 1805, but his fascination with the United States had taken root and he returned again in May 1806. He married Lucy Bakewell in 1808 and together they embarked on a difficult period financially that was only to be resolved, through Audubon's unshakable and justified belief in his own abilities, with the publication of his masterpiece in 1827-1838.

"The Birds of America" is the single greatest ornithological work ever produced and is the realization of Audubon's dream of traveling throughout the United States recording, natural size, every native bird then known. The 435 double-elephant folio sized plates, printed by the Havells of London, depict some 1,065 different species, the majority drawn from specimens that Audubon himself had captured.

The Havell edition was expensive at the time of publication and this has not changed. Possibly the last complete copy which will ever appear on the market sold for a staggering $8,802,500 in a sale in New York in March 2000. Currently, the increasingly rare individual plates from this edition, when they do appear, generally sell for between $5,000 and $175,000 depending on the image. The quality of the Amsterdam Audubon plates is apparent to any discerning collector and it is becoming ever clearer that they offer the most attractive alternative to the Havell edition plates, given the latter's spiraling prices.

Cf. Zimmer, p. 22; cf. Bennett, p. 5; cf. Fries, Appendix A; cf. Wood, p. 208; cf. Nissen IVB 51; cf. Sabin 2364; cf. Ripley 13; cf. Tyler, Audubon's Great National Work, 1993, Appendix I.

#7740$1,800.00



AUDUBON, John James (1785-1851)

American Widgeon. From "The Birds of America" (Amsterdam Edition) [Pl. 345]

[Pl. 345]. Amsterdam and New York: Johnson Reprint Corporation and Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, 1971-72. Colour-printed lithograph, on fine hand-made paper. Excellent condition. Image size (including text): 14 1/2 x 18 1/4 inches. Sheet size: 26 3/4 x 39 7/8 inches (approx).

In October 1971, employing the most faithful printing method available, the best materials and the ablest craftsmen of their age, the Amsterdam firm of Theatrum Orbis Terrarum Ltd., in conjunction with the Johnson Reprint Corporation of New York, set out to produce the finest possible limited edition facsimile of the greatest bird book ever printed: the Havell edition of John James Audubon's well-loved "Birds of America".

The Curators of the Teyler's Museum in Haarlem, Holland made their copy of the original work available for use as a model. The Museum, founded in 1778, bought their copy through Audubon's son as part of the original subscription in 1839. After long deliberation, the extremely complex but highly accurate process of colour photo-lithography was chosen as the appropriate printing method. The best exponents of this art were the renowned Dutch printing firm of NV Fotolitho Inrichting Drommel at Zandvoort who were willing to undertake the task of printing each plate in up to eight different colours.

The original Havell edition was published on hand-made rag paper and the publishers were determined that the paper of their edition should match the original. Unhappy with the commercially available papers, they turned to the traditional paper manufacturers G. Schut & Zonen (founded in 1625), who, using 100% unbleached cotton rags, were able to produce a wove paper of the highest quality, with each sheet bearing a watermark unique to the edition: G. Schut & Zonen [JR monogram] Audubon [OT monogram].

The publishers and their dedicated team completed their task late in 1972 and the results of these labours were affectionately known as the "Amsterdam Audubon." 250 copies were published and sold by subscription, with the plates available bound or unbound. Given all this careful preparation, it is not surprising that the prints have the look and feel of the original Havell edition.

John James Audubon was born in Les Cayes, Haiti on 26 April 1785. From 1788 to 1803 he lived in France until he was sent to the United States to manage an estate that his father had bought in Pennsylvania. He returned to France in 1805, but his fascination with the United States had taken root and he returned again in May 1806. He married Lucy Bakewell in 1808 and together they embarked on a difficult period financially that was only to be resolved, through Audubon's unshakable and justified belief in his own abilities, with the publication of his masterpiece in 1827-1838.

"The Birds of America" is the single greatest ornithological work ever produced and is the realization of Audubon's dream of traveling throughout the United States recording, natural size, every native bird then known. The 435 double-elephant folio sized plates, printed by the Havells of London, depict some 1,065 different species, the majority drawn from specimens that Audubon himself had captured.

The Havell edition was expensive at the time of publication and this has not changed. Possibly the last complete copy which will ever appear on the market sold for a staggering $8,802,500 in a sale in New York in March 2000. Currently, the increasingly rare individual plates from this edition, when they do appear, generally sell for between $5,000 and $175,000 depending on the image. The quality of the Amsterdam Audubon plates is apparent to any discerning collector and it is becoming ever clearer that they offer the most attractive alternative to the Havell edition plates, given the latter's spiraling prices.

Cf. Zimmer, p. 22; cf. Bennett, p. 5; cf. Fries, Appendix A; cf. Wood, p. 208; cf. Nissen IVB 51; cf. Sabin 2364; cf. Ripley 13; cf. Tyler, Audubon's Great National Work, 1993, Appendix I.

#7812$350.00



AUDUBON, John James (1785-1851)

Arctic Jager. From "The Birds of America" (Amsterdam Edition) [Pl. 267]

[Pl. 267]. Amsterdam and New York: Johnson Reprint Corporation and Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, 1971-72. Colour-printed lithograph, on fine hand-made paper. Excellent condition. Image size (including text): 28 1/2 x 20 1/2 inches. Sheet size: 26 3/4 x 39 7/8 inches (approx).

In October 1971, employing the most faithful printing method available, the best materials and the ablest craftsmen of their age, the Amsterdam firm of Theatrum Orbis Terrarum Ltd., in conjunction with the Johnson Reprint Corporation of New York, set out to produce the finest possible limited edition facsimile of the greatest bird book ever printed: the Havell edition of John James Audubon's well-loved "Birds of America".

The Curators of the Teyler's Museum in Haarlem, Holland made their copy of the original work available for use as a model. The Museum, founded in 1778, bought their copy through Audubon's son as part of the original subscription in 1839. After long deliberation, the extremely complex but highly accurate process of colour photo-lithography was chosen as the appropriate printing method. The best exponents of this art were the renowned Dutch printing firm of NV Fotolitho Inrichting Drommel at Zandvoort who were willing to undertake the task of printing each plate in up to eight different colours.

The original Havell edition was published on hand-made rag paper and the publishers were determined that the paper of their edition should match the original. Unhappy with the commercially available papers, they turned to the traditional paper manufacturers G. Schut & Zonen (founded in 1625), who, using 100% unbleached cotton rags, were able to produce a wove paper of the highest quality, with each sheet bearing a watermark unique to the edition: G. Schut & Zonen [JR monogram] Audubon [OT monogram].

The publishers and their dedicated team completed their task late in 1972 and the results of these labours were affectionately known as the "Amsterdam Audubon." 250 copies were published and sold by subscription, with the plates available bound or unbound. Given all this careful preparation, it is not surprising that the prints have the look and feel of the original Havell edition.

John James Audubon was born in Les Cayes, Haiti on 26 April 1785. From 1788 to 1803 he lived in France until he was sent to the United States to manage an estate that his father had bought in Pennsylvania. He returned to France in 1805, but his fascination with the United States had taken root and he returned again in May 1806. He married Lucy Bakewell in 1808 and together they embarked on a difficult period financially that was only to be resolved, through Audubon's unshakable and justified belief in his own abilities, with the publication of his masterpiece in 1827-1838.

"The Birds of America"