The Birds Of AmericaRoyal Octavo EditionJohn James Audubon
Lithography: J.T. Bowen of Philadelphia and Endicott of New York
Publisher: J.J. Audubon / J.B. Chevalier, Philadelphia
1843/4
Following the publication of the double elephant folio edition of The Birds Of America Audubon planned the publication of a, relatively, more affordable edition of the work. This edition was printed on royal octavo paper (approximately 10 inches by 6 and quarter inches) and published in seven volumes. The royal octavo edition comprised 500 plates. Many of the original 435 images from the double elephant edition were used plus new plates which were either newly created or formed from dividing some of the original 435 plates which featured multiple species. The plates were accompanied by the text that was originally published separately in Ornithological Biography. The first royal octavo edition was issued in parts to subscribers and many copies were subsequently bount as seven volume sets.
Introduction: Having been frequently asked, for several years past, by numerous friends of science, both in America and Europe, to present to them and to the public a work on the Ornithology of our country, similar to my large work, but of such dimensions, and at such price, as would enable every student or lover of nature to place it in his Library, and look upon it during his leisure hours as a pleasing companion — I have undertaken the task with the hope that those good friends and the public will receive the "Birds of America," in their present miniature form, with that favour and kindness they have already evinced toward one who never can cease to admire and to study with zeal and the most heartfelt reverence, the wonderful productions of an Almighty Creator.
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