The Natural History of Birds; Containing a Variety of Facts Selected from Several Writers, and Intended for the Amusement and Instruction of Children. Six Parts in Three Volumes

London: J. Johnson. 1791. 12mo (17.5 cm x 10.5cm). H Hard Cover. Fair. Scarce three volume set (complete) containing the six parts of this work, illustrated with 114 (of 116) hand colored copper plate engravings of birds. Plates are dated in the late 1780s, and bear the imprint of Jos. Johnson (the publisher of this work). Lacks the Toucan plate in Part I and the Man of War Bird plate in Part II (appear to have never been bound in as there is no evidence of removal). Marbled boards with brown paper spines, applied paper labels, with labels perhaps of institutional origin (although there are no other signs of the books being ex-library). Vol. I (containing parts I and II): (2), 91, (1), 77, (3)p. plus 40 plates. Vol. II (containing parts III, IV and V): (2), 71, (1), 55, (1), 82 (1)p. plus 42 plates. Vol. III (containing part VI): (2), xii, 232, (1), 7p. ads, plus 32 plates. Binding most likely mid to late 19th century, endpapers appear to have been replaced around that time period. Externally worn, with the spine strips separating, boards, rubbed, etc. (see image provided). Hinges cracked but text blocks sound, three leaves nearly detached at the beginning of vol. III, no other loosened pages. Internally very good, with very clean pages almost free from foxing. Plates have no chips or tears, colors bright, pages quite fresh. A great copy for rebinding or charming just the way it is.