Beschreibung:

AUDUBON, John James (1785-1851) and Rev. John BACHMAN (1790-1874). The Quadrupeds of North America. New York: V.G. Audubon, 1849-1851-1854.
AUDUBON, John James (1785-1851) and Rev. John BACHMAN (1790-1874). The Quadrupeds of North America. New York: V.G. Audubon, 1849-1851-1854. 3 volumes, 8 o (259 x 175 mm). Half-titles in vols. I and III (lacking in II). 155 hand-colored lithographed plates by W.E. Hitchcock and R. Trembly after J.J. and John Wodehouse Audubon. (Some minor scattered staining and foxing.) Publisher's black morocco gilt stamped with central wildcat and corners stamped with animals after Audubon's illustrations depicting a muskrat, a collared peccary, a skunk, and a red fox within elaborate gilt ornaments (skillful repairs to some joints and spine ends). FIRST OCTAVO EDITION of Audubon's final great work. It was the result of Audubon's collaboration with John Bachman, a Lutheran Pastor who had studied quadrupeds from his youth and who was recognized as an authority in the United States. The two began their association when Audubon stayed with Bachman and his family in Charleston for a month in 1831. Audubon knew that Bachman's contribution was critical but had to fight hard to convince his friend to take part. Bachman eventually relented, with the proviso that all profits (and expenses) would belong to the Audubons: the work was expected to show a healthy return and he was eager to benefit his sons-in-law Victor and John Woodhouse Audubon Bennett, p. 5; Nissen ZBI 163. A FINE COPY IN THE RARE DELUXE BINDING. (3)