Buffon

1770 · 901F25 — Paris: L'Imprimerie Royale 1770-1775. First edition. Leather. Good. 7" by 4.5". Not Stated. The first six volumes only of the first edition of the Comte de Buffon's lavishly illustrated natural history work on birds. In the original French.The first six volumes only of the eighteen volume first edition of this work on birds part of Buffon's influential 'Histoire Naturelle'.'Histoire Naturelle' is an encyclopaedic work originally running to 36 volumes by Buffon being continued by his colleagues led by Lacepede after his death.An extensive study of birds an essential work of natural history which explores many different species of birds accompanied by detailed engravings.This was an incredibly important resource on the subject of natural history in eighteenth century France providing a wealth of information on all living things accompanied by detailed engravings.Volume I is illustrated with fourteen plates.Volume II is illustrated with fifteen plates.Volume III is illustrated with nine plates.Volume IV is illustrated with eighteen plates.Volume V is illustrated with nineteen plates.Volume VI is illustrated with twelve plates.Half titles to volumes I II and VI.With the inscription of 'Dan. de la Cherois' to the tail of the volume I title page. In full calf bindings with gilt detailing to back strips. Significant rubbing to joints and back strip heads and tails. Small losses of leather to volume V and VI back strip tails with further minor losses to head of volume I and V back strips. Lacking half of volume III title spine label with partial remnants of only two volume number labels. A touch of worming to head of volume VI front joint. Internally firmly bound. Inscription to volume I title page tail. Pages bright and generally clean though a touch age toned due to paper type. Good L'Imprimerie Royale hardcover