Description:

Audubon, John (1785-1851) and  Rev. John Bachman (1790-1874).  The Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America , New York: J.J. Audubon (V.G. Audubon), 1845, 1846, 1848. First edition, 3 folio volumes of "elephant" sheets, original 3/4 leather bindings with gilt- lettered title cartouche and spines, all edges gilt, 3 lithographic title-pages and 3 letterpress contents, 150 hand-colored lithographic plates by J. T. Bowen, after John James and John Woodhouse Audubon, with backgrounds after Victor Audubon, sheets 27 3/8 in. X 21 1/2 in., presented in a custom baize-lined Louisiana cypress case.  

Provenance: Collection of Former Governor Murphy J. "Mike" Foster Jr., Oaklawn Manor, Franklin, LA.



First edition of one of the greatest American color plate works. "By 1843 the Audubon family business was a well-oiled machine, involving John James, his two sons, Victor and John
Woodhouse, and various in-laws and friends. The octavo Birds was still in production when J.T. Bowen began to produce the plates for the elephant folio edition of the Quadrupeds, the largest successful color plate book project of 19th-century America. It took the family five years to publish 150 plates in thirty parts. The massive project was a commercial success, thanks to the close management of Victor. There were about three hundred subscribers." (Reese).   

  • Condition: Overall very good condition. Color plates are bright. Heavy wear to boards at extremities. Chips, losses to corners and spine. Boards starting at lower edges of spine to Vol. III. Specific details as follows:

    Vol. I. First free paper torn. Index page with spotting. Crease to Plate 4. Heavy browning to 2 plates. Light to medium browning to 6 plates.

    Vol. II. Index page with spotting. Small edge tear to top of title page. Tiny chip to lower right corners of plates 53 & 54. First free page torn and ragged. Last free page brown and torn. Heavy browning to 3 plates. Light to medium browning to 3 plates.

    Vol. III. First free page lacking. Last free torn and creased. Title and index spotty. Index and plate 101 with creases - also, plate 101 with abrasions along crease. Plates 123 and 138 with edge tear. Plate 128 with minor spotting. Heavy browning to one plate. Light to medium browning to 2 plates.

    All in all, a very presentable copy. Baize lining of case is worn.

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September 12, 2025 10:00 AM CDT
New Orleans, LA, US

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