ZOOLOGY OF NEW HOLLAND.
The figures by James Sowerby. Vol. I. [All published]. Pp. [ii](title, verso blank)+24 (of 34, last blank), with 7 [of 12] hand-coloured plates on J. Whatman watermarked paper; narrow med. 4to; disbound, the title page detached, stab holes and remnants of the original string binding present; tiny split to bottom edge of title page, a little light foxing, faint creasing and occasional slight soiling; printed by J. Davis, published by J. Sowerby, London, 1794. First edition. Ferguson 196. *The first two of a total of three parts issued, lacking the half-title page and the first plate. This was the first work on Australian animals, initially published as a combined work in parts with James Edward Smith's A Specimen of the Botany of New Holland. After the second part was issued, the collaboration ended, and Shaw and Smith's contributions continued as independent works. The plates present in this copy are: Pygmy Opossum; Ground Parrot; Embroidered Merops; Antarctic Pigeon; Constricted Chaetodon; Long-necked Tortoise; Serrated Lobster. They bear various dates: Aug. 1st, 1793 (plate 2) and October 1st, 1793 (plates 5 & 6), with the imprint erased (as issued) from plate 4, and no date on plates 3, 7 & 8. 'Although Shaw uses the name "New Holland" on the title page, in the text he refers to "The Vast Island" or rather "Continent" of Australia, Australasia, or New Holland. When he describes an animal, he refers to it as Australian. It is claimed therefore that he was the first to use the terms "Australia" and "Australian" in their present application' [Ferguson]. Rare: 'not only the first book devoted entirely to Australian animals but also the first illustrated natural history book and the first colourplate book' [Wantrup, page 463]. Item #166976
Price: $25,000.00