A History of British Birds by William Yarrell - 1843

London: John Van Voorst, 1843 . First edition. Leather. Very Good. 8.5" by 5.5". Not Stated. A complete set of first editions presenting the history of British birds, by William Yarrell, with illustrations throughout. First edition, in a half calf binding with marbled boards. Complete in three volumes. Originally published in bi-monthly installments between 1837 and 1843.The work of English zoologist, prolific writer, bookseller and naturalist William Yarrell. Yarrell's work features a field guide systematically describing every species of bird known to have occurred in Britain throughout history. Due to the depth of research, Yarrell's series quickly overtook Thomas Bewick's work of the same name to become the standard reference work for a generation of British ornithologists. Illustrated with numerous vignette wood engravings throughout, the majority of which were drawn by Alexander Fussell, and engraved by John Thompson. Extra-illustrated, with a colour plate following the index to volume I. With a previous owner's ink inscription to the verso of the front endpaper. Bound in half calf with marbled boards. Contemporary binding with boards rebacked and the spine laid down. Previous owner's ink inscription to the verso of the front endpaper. Externally, smart with slight rubbing to the extremities and joints. The odd mark to leather and boards. Internally, firmly bound. Pages bright and clean. Very Good