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A History of British Birds

by Rev. Francis Orpen Morris

(1851-1903, London)


Original Hand-coloured Wood Engravings over 120 years old


Sheet size: approximately 6.5 x 10 inches (varies slightly by year) – about 16.5 x 25.5 cm


Rev. Francis Orpen Morris
(1810-1893)

The inspiration for Francis Orpen Morris' A History of British Birds actually came from the renowned English printer, Benjamin Fawcett, who approached Morris to write the text when Morris became Vicar of Nafferton. Morris had a reputation as a popular writer on natural history in general and birds in particular. His first book, Guide to an Arrangement of British Birds, had appeared as early as 1834. However, his association with Benjamin Fawcett was to have remarkable results, particularly for the study of ornithology.

 

A History of British Birds was entirely printed and bound in the small North Country village of Driffield, Fawcett’s residence and shop, and shipped in tea chests to London. It was a resounding success. Work on A History of British Birds probably began in 1848. Publication, which took over seven years to complete from June 1850, was undertaken in monthly parts costing one shilling. Each part contained 24 pages of letterpress and 4 hand-coloured plates. The final six-volume work contained 358 coloured plates. One thousand copies of the first part were initially produced, but such was the demand that Fawcett quickly had to move into larger premises.

 

Alexander Francis Lydon was one of Fawcett’s principal engravers, contributing much in technique and design. A team of women colourists under very strict scrutiny first from Fawcett, then his wife (a former colourist herself) hand colored each plate.
Morris became an early advocate for conservation and was instrumental in founding
the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.

 

Various editions of A History of British Birds were published from circa 1851 to circa 1903.
All were published with the hand-colouring of the time.

 

[References include Fine Bird Books, p125 & Benjamin Fawcett, p 77.]

 


THE AVAILABLE PLATES IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER.
PLEASE CLICK ON THE THUMBNAILS FOR AN ENLARGED VIEW OF THE ENTIRE PLATE.
ROSEATE TERN
ROSEATE TERN
$69.95
First edition print with very light buff background; slightly smaller sheet...see prints to right for subtle colouring differences in the later editions. Light age toning, narrow bottom margin, as issued.
ROSEATE TERN
ROSEATE TERN
$69.95
Later edition print...see prints to left and right for any colouring differences between editions.
ROSEATE TERN
ROSEATE TERN
$69.95
Later "Cabinet Edition" print, on smaller sheet (approx. 7¼ x 4¾ inches), and with an uncoloured "habitat." See prints to left for a larger sheet and coloured habitat.
ROSE-COLOURED PASTOR
ROSE-COLOURED PASTOR
$69.95
First edition print with very light buff background; slightly smaller sheet...see print to right for subtle colouring differences in the later editions. A few fox marks.
ROSE-COLOURED PASTOR
ROSE-COLOURED PASTOR
$69.95
Later edition print...see printsto left for any colouring differences between editions.
ROSS'S GULL
ROSS'S GULL
First edition print with very light buff background; slightly smaller sheet...see prints to right for subtle colouring differences in the later editions. Light age toning, narrow bottom margin, as issued.
ROSS'S GULL
ROSS'S GULL
$69.95
Later edition print...see prints to left and right for any colouring differences between editions.
ROSS'S GULL
ROSS'S GULL
$69.95
Later "Cabinet Edition" print, on smaller sheet (approx. 7¼ x 4¾ inches), and with an uncoloured "habitat." See prints to left for a larger sheet and coloured habitat.
ROTCHE
ROTCHE
$69.95
ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD
ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD
[HAWK]
First edition print with very light buff background; slightly smaller sheet...see print to right for colouring and image differences in the later editions. A few fox marks and printer's ink/watercolour spots..
ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD
ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD
[HAWK]
$65
Later edition print...see print to left for any colouring/image differences between editions. This plate was apparently re-engraved for the later editions.
RUSTIC BUNTING
RUSTIC BUNTING
$69.95
RUDDY SHELDUCK
RUDDY SHELDUCK
$69.95
RUFF
RUFF
$69.95
A few fox marks
SABINE'S GULL
SABINE'S GULL
Later edition print...see print to right for any colouring differences between editions.
SABINE'S GULL
SABINE'S GULL
$69.95
Later "Cabinet Edition" print, on smaller sheet (approx. 7¼ x 4¾ inches), and with an uncoloured "habitat." See print to left for a larger sheet and coloured habitat.
SABINE'S SNIPE
SABINE'S SNIPE
$69.95
First edition print with very light buff background; slightly smaller sheet...see print to right for subtle colouring differences in the later editions. Significant foxing in upper margin, extending into image area.
SABINE'S SNIPE
SABINE'S SNIPE
Later edition print...see print to left for any colouring differences between editions. Light fox marks.
SABINE'S SNIPE
SABINE'S SNIPE
$69.95
Later edition print...see print to left for any colouring differences between editions. A couple of light fox marks.
SAND MARTIN
SAND MARTIN
$69.95
First edition print with very light buff background; slightly smaller sheet...see print to right for subtle colouring differences in the later editions. Narrow bottom margin, as issued along binding edge.
SAND MARTIN
SAND MARTIN
$69.95
Later edition print...see print to left for any colouring differences between editions. A few tiny specks in margin.
SANDERLING
SANDERLING
$69.95
Some foxing in margin.
SANDPIPER
SANDPIPER
$69.95
Tiny specks, smudges in outside margins.
SANDWICH TERN
SANDWICH TERN
$69.95
First edition print with very light buff background; slightly smaller sheet...see print to right and below for subtle colouring differences in the later editions. A couple of faint fox marks.
SANDWICH TERN
SANDWICH TERN
$69.95
Later edition print...see print to left and below for any colouring differences between editions.
SANDWICH TERN
SANDWICH TERN
$69.95
Later "Cabinet Edition" print, on smaller sheet (approx. 7¼ x 4¾ inches), and with an uncoloured "habitat." See print to left for a larger sheet and coloured habitat.
SAVI'S WARBLER
SAVI'S WARBLER
$69.95
First edition print with very light buff background; slightly smaller sheet...see print to right for subtle colouring differences in the later editions. Narrow margin below title, as issued.
SAVI'S WARBLER
SAVI'S WARBLER
$69.95
Later edition print...see print to left for any colouring differences between editions. A few fox marks below title.
SCARLET BULLFINCH
SCARLET BULLFINCH
$69.95
SCOPS-EARED OWL
SCOPS-EARED OWL
$69.95
First edition print with very light buff background; slightly smaller sheet...a few tiny specks in upper sheet.
SCOTER
SCOTER [DUCK]
$69.95
First edition print with very light buff background; slightly smaller sheet...see print to right for subtle colouring differences in the later editions. Light foxing.
SCOTER
SCOTER [DUCK]
$69.95
Later edition print...see print to left for any colouring differences between editions. Fox marks.
SEDGE WARBLER
SEDGE WARBLER
$69.95
First edition print with very light buff background; slightly smaller sheet...see print to right for subtle colouring differences in the later editions. A few tiny specks.
SEDGE WARBLER
SEDGE WARBLER
$69.95
Later edition print...see print to left for any colouring differences between editions.
SERIN FINCH
SERIN FINCH
$69.95
Some foxing in upper margin.
SHEARWATER
SHEARWATER
Some foxing in margin.
SHORE LARK
SHORE LARK
$69.95
First edition print with very light buff background; slightly smaller sheet...see print to right for subtle colouring differences in the later editions. Light foxing in margins, narrow bottom margin below title.
SHORE LARK
SHORE LARK
$69.95
Later edition print...see print to left for any colouring differences between editions.
SHORT-TOED LARK
SHORT-TOED LARK
$69.95
First edition print with very light buff background; slightly smaller sheet...see print to right for subtle colouring differences in the later editions. Light foxing in margins, narrow bottom margin below title.
SHORE LARK
SHORT-TOED LARK
$69.95
Later edition print...see print to left for any colouring differences between editions.
SKUA
SKUA
$69.95
First edition print with very light buff background; slightly smaller sheet...see prints to right for subtle colouring differences in the later editions. Light age toning and faint foxing.
SKUA
SKUA
$69.95
Later edition print...see prints to left and right for any colouring differences between editions.
SKUA
SKUA
$69.95
Later "Cabinet Edition" print, on smaller sheet (approx. 7¼ x 4¾ inches), and with an uncoloured "habitat." See prints to left for a larger sheet and coloured habitat.
SKY LARK
SKY LARK
$69.95
First edition print with very light buff background; slightly smaller sheet...see prints to right for subtle colouring differences in the later editions.
SKY LARK
SKY LARK
$69.95
Later edition print...see prints to left and right for any colouring differences between editions.
SMEW
SMEW
$69.95
First edition print with very light buff background; slightly smaller sheet...see print to right for subtle colouring differences in the later editions.
SMEW
SMEW
$69.95
Later edition print...see print to left for any colouring differences between editions.
SNIPE
SNIPE
$69.95
SNOW BUNTING
SNOW BUNTING
$69.95
First edition print with very light buff background; slightly smaller sheet...see print to right for subtle colouring differences in the later editions. Light fox marks below image area and in left margin.
SNOW BUNTING
SNOW BUNTING
$69.95
Later edition print...see print to left for any colouring differences between editions.
SNOWY OWL
SNOWY OWL
SOLITARY SANDPIPER
SOLITARY SANDPIPER
SOOTY SHEARWATER
SOOTY SHEARWATER
$69.95
SOOTY TERN
SOOTY TERN
$69.95
First edition print with very light buff background; slightly smaller sheet...see prints to right for subtle colouring differences in the later editions. Light age toning around edges, narrow bottom margin..
SOOTY TERN
SOOTY TERN
$69.95
Later edition print...see prints to left and right for any colouring differences between editions.
SOOTY TERN
SOOTY TERN
$69.95
Later "Cabinet Edition" print, on smaller sheet (approx. 7¼ x 4¾ inches), and with an uncoloured "habitat." See prints to left for a larger sheet and coloured habitat.
SPARROW HAWK
SPARROW HAWK
$69.95
One spot in upper margin
SPINE-TAILED SWALLOW
SPINE-TAILED SWALLOW
$69.95
First edition print with very light buff background; slightly smaller sheet...see print to right for subtle colouring differences in the later editions.
SPINE-TAILED SWALLOW
SPINE-TAILED SWALLOW
$69.95
Later edition print...see print to left for any colouring differences between editions. A couple of spots, mainly in margin.
SPOONBILL
SPOONBILL
$69.95
First edition print with very light buff background; slightly smaller sheet...see print to right for subtle colouring differences in the later editions. A couple of light fox marks.
SPOONBILL
SPOONBILL
$69.95
Later edition print...see print to left for any colouring differences between editions.
SPOTTED CRAKE
SPOTTED CRAKE
$69.95
Later edition print...see print to left for any colouring differences between editions.
SPOTTED CRAKE
SPOTTED CRAKE
$69.95
Later "Cabinet Edition" print, on smaller sheet (approx. 7¼ x 4¾ inches), and with an uncoloured "habitat." See print to left for a larger sheet and coloured habitat. Title trimmed.
SPOTTED EAGLE
SPOTTED EAGLE
$69.95
First edition print with very light buff background; slightly smaller sheet...see print to right for subtle colouring differences in the later editions. Overall age toning and a couple of fox marks.
SPOTTED EAGLE
SPOTTED EAGLE
$69.95

Later edition print...see print to left for any colouring differences between editions. Some spotting present.

SPOTTED FLYCATCHER
SPOTTED FLYCATCHER
$69.95
First edition print with very light buff background; slightly smaller sheet...see print to right for subtle colouring differences in the later editions. A couple of fox marks.
SPOTTED FLYCATCHER
SPOTTED FLYCATCHER
$69.95

Later edition print...see print to left for any colouring differences between editions. Some spotting present.

SPOTTED REDSHANK
SPOTTED REDSHANK
$69.95
First edition print with very light buff background; slightly smaller sheet...see print to right for subtle colouring differences in the later editions.
SPOTTED REDSHANK
SPOTTED REDSHANK
$69.95

Later edition print...see print to left for any colouring differences between editions.

SPOTTED SANDPIPER
SPOTTED SANDPIPER
$69.95
Later edition print...see print to left for any colouring differences between editions. A couple of fox marks in margins.
SPOTTED SANDPIPER
SPOTTED SANDPIPER
$69.95
Later "Cabinet Edition" print, on smaller sheet (approx. 7¼ x 4¾ inches), and with an uncoloured "habitat." See print to left for a larger sheet and coloured habitat.
SQUACCO HERON
SQUACCO HERON
$69.95
STARLING
STARLING
$69.95
First edition print with very light buff background; slightly smaller sheet...see print to right for subtle colouring differences in the later editions. Some spotting and a faint crease in the lower left corner.
STARLING
STARLING
$69.95

Later edition print...see print to left for any colouring differences between editions. A few light fox marks.

STELLAR'S EIDER DUCK
STELLAR'S EIDER DUCK
$69.95
STILT
STILT
First edition print with very light buff background; slightly smaller sheet...see prints to the right for subtle colouring differences in the later editions. A couple of fox marks.
STILT
STILT
$69.95

Earlier edition print...see print to the right for any colouring differences between editions.
A few fox marks in the margin, please see enlargement

STILT
STILT

Later edition print...see print to left for any colouring differences between editions.

STINT
STINT
$69.95
One watercolour paint drop just below image.
STONECHAT
STONECHAT
$69.95
First edition print with very light buff background; slightly smaller sheet...see print to right for subtle colouring differences in the later editions. Overall light age toning, faint smudge upper edge of paper.
STONECHAT
STONECHAT
$69.95

Later edition print...see print to left for any colouring differences between editions.

STORMY PETREL
STORMY PETREL
$69.95
Later edition print...see print to left for any colouring differences between editions. A couple of fox marks in margins.
STORMY PETREL
STORMY PETREL
$69.95
Later "Cabinet Edition" print, on smaller sheet (approx. 7¼ x 4¾ inches), and with an uncoloured "habitat." See print to left for a larger sheet and coloured habitat.
SURF SCOTER
SURF SCOTER
$69.95
First edition print with very light buff background; slightly smaller sheet...see print to right for subtle colouring differences in the later editions.
SURF SCOTER
SURF SCOTER
$69.95

Later edition print...see print to left for any colouring differences between editions. Some foxing.

SWALLOW
SWALLOW
$69.95
Binding remnant on left edge, some smudges right margin
SWIFT
SWIFT
$69.95
First edition print with very light buff background; slightly smaller sheet...see print to right for subtle colouring differences in the later editions. Overall light age toning, narrow bottom margin below title, as issued.
SWIFT
SWIFT
$69.95

Later edition print...see print to left for any colouring differences between editions.

SWIFT TERN
SWIFT TERN
$69.95
First edition print with very light buff background; slightly smaller sheet...see prints to right for subtle colouring differences in the later editions. Light overall age toning, a few specks.
SWIFT TERN
SWIFT TERN
$69.95
Later edition print...see prints to left and right for any colouring differences between editions.
SWIFT TERN
SWIFT TERN
$69.95
Later "Cabinet Edition" print, on smaller sheet (approx. 7¼ x 4¾ inches), and with an uncoloured "habitat." See prints to left for a larger sheet and coloured habitat.