Description:

Gould, John (1804-1881) and Richard Bowdler Sharp (1847-1909) . A Monograph of the Trochilidae, or Family of Humming-Birds. London: Taylor and Francis for the author,
[1849]-1861.; with A Monograph... Supplement. Taylor and Francis for Henry Sotheran & Co., [1880]-1887. Together 6 volumes, including Supplement, with Dedication, List of Subscribers, Preface, Introduction, the list of plates in each volume, 418 hand-colored lithographic plates, many highlighted in gold leaf, overpainted with transparent varnish and oil colors, by Gould, Henry Constantine Richter and William Hart. First five volumes in full green leather with elaborate gilt tooling and lettering. The Supplement in 3/4 leather with gilt lettering., sheets 21 5/8 in. x 14 1/2 in., first 5 volumes presented in a custom baize-lined Louisiana cypress case, Supplement uncased. 

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


The Humming-Birds was Gould's acknowledged masterpiece. Issued in twenty-five parts between June, 1849 and September, 1861, it contained 360 extraordinary hand-colored plates, many of
which were completed using a process whereby he applied pure gold leaf over-painted with transparent oil colors and varnish to simulate the iridescent qualities of the birds' feathers. This technique, combined with the brilliant coloring of the birds and the lush tropical backgrounds, produced a work of incredible beauty and accuracy.


Most of the subjects came from Gould's own collection of humming-bird specimens, a number of which he exhibited at the Regent's Park Zoological Gardens during the Great Exhibition
of 1851. This set is complemented by the 5-part supplement planned by Gould. The first part
was issued in 1880, and the second, which had been substantially prepared by Gould, was issued in 1881 after his death. The remaining parts were completed by Richard Bowdler Sharpe (text) and William Hart (plates) under the direction of Osbert Salvin, and published by Henry Sotheran and Co. who purchased the publication rights to Gould's works, along with other items of the estate.

  • Condition: Overall very good, bright copy; boards are tight but worn at extremities; all volumes except Supplement have spotting to pastedowns and endpapers; first 5 vols. with old dedications to first pastedown. Specific details as follows:

    Vol. I. One endpaper lacking.

    Vol. II. Second free endpaper with tape repair and small tear; the title and list of plates with crease; the last free endpaper with loss, light to medium spotting to 8 plates.

    Vol. III. Title page with spotting; rear endpaper creased; light to medium spotting to 2 plates.

    Vol. IV. Front endpaper with tape repair; title page with light spotting; very light spotting to 2 plates.

    Vol. V. Front endpaper with tape repair; title page with light spotting.

    Supplement. Title page partially loose with loss to corner; covers worn and spotty; includes a loose, heavily bloomed Binding Notice from the publisher.

    Baize lining of case is worn.

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September 12, 2025 10:00 AM CDT
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