Love Life of the Birds
Buenos Aires, Argentina: Codex Editions, 1952. Hardcover. A fascinating book with twenty-four gorgeous plates of birds by Axel Amuchastegui. The illustrator was himself an ornithologist, and his professional background shines through the skill and beauty of his art in this book. The author is described here as a observant philosopher, and a naturalist by vocation. The result is a book that combines serious science with lyrical prose. Bound in green cloth with a gilt outline of a bird in flight on the front cover and gilt titling to the spine. Except for light bumping to the corners and an unfortunate small tear to bottom edge of spine the covers are in very good condition. Internally the text pages and bird plates with tissue guards are in about fine condition. There are a few reminders of previous ownership, with a ownership plate of Isabelle Williams affixed to front pastedown, a handwritten letter from "Hunt" (Huntington Wililiams of Baltimore) dated 1972 affixed to a blank front Andrade bestowing the book as a birthday present to Joep (?). Inserted within the text pages is the original invoice from W. Dawson & Sons Booksellers in London to the Baltimore Commissioner of Health (Huntington William's) for three books, including this title. (At that time it sold for 2.15 pounds.) In the original illustrated dust jacket, which unfortunately is in poor condition, with tears and rips, particularly on the front cover. Despite the condition of the jacket, this is a very nice copy of a desirable work. Measures 9 x 12.25 inches. BIRDS/091026. Very Good+ / Chipped and Torn.
Item #38428
Price: $125.00