FROM "A MONOGRAPH OF THE TROCHILIDAE, OR FAMILY OF HUMMINGBIRDS" AND "BIRDS OF NEW GUINEA.

[London, ca. 1888]. Sizes vary slightly depending on the work, the largest dimensions being 560 x 385 mm. (22 x 15 1/8").
Most plates accompanied by a letterpress leaf describing the species being depicted. ◆A few leaves with slight creasing to a corner or a touch of light foxing, otherwise FINE SPECIMENS, the coloring bright and the paper very clean.

These hand-colored lithographs come from two of Gould's most sought-after works and display the characteristic detail, quality, and accuracy that are synonymous with the so-called "English Audubon." Each of these plates captures the individuality and personality of the species depicted, often placing a bird within its natural environments and pairing it with different types of flora. As noted by the DNB, "the design and natural arrangement of the birds on the plates was due to the genius of John Gould, and a Gould plate has a distinctive beauty and quality." Although he did not produce the actual lithographs himself, Gould did create preliminary sketches upon which the plates were ultimately based. He was also intimately involved with the publication process from start to finish, including acting as agent and distributor of his own work. While complete volumes by Gould are often prohibitively expensive, these individual plates are marked at attainable prices and offer a much wider opportunity to own and appreciate the work of this giant of ornithology. A full list of the available plates and their prices is available upon request..