Books about British birds: 1800-1849

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A History Of British Birds William Yarrell Second edition Illustrated by 535 wood engravings John Van Voorst 1845 Published in three volumes. From the authors preface: THE preparation of a second edition of the History of our British Birds enables me to record the occurrence of eleven species new to Britain, which will be found arranged in their place in these volumes; I have also availed myself of several recent ornithological publications referring to the islands and shores of the Mediterranean, as well as to India, to include numerous localities in which some of our British Birds are either resident or seasonal visitors.

A History Of British Birds William Yarrell Illustrated by 535 wood engravings John Van Voorst 1843 Originally published in instalments between 1833 and 1843. These parts were published in three volumes in 1843. From the preface: The following History of British Birds was published in thirty-seven Parts of three sheets each, at intervals of two months; the first Part was issued in July 1837, and the last in May 1843. During these six years many occurrences of rare birds, and of some that were even new to Britain, became known to me, either by the communications of private friends and correspondents, or from the examination of the various periodical works which give publicity to such events. To render this History, therefore, as complete as my means will permit, I devote this Preface to the enumeration of all such occurrences as have become known to me since the period of inserting the account of the species in its order in the body of the work ; and the new subjects have been engraved on single leaves, so paged, that the bookbinder may insert these separate leaves among the birds of the genus to which each respectively belongs.

The Feathered Tribes Of The British Isles Robert Mudie Henry G. Bohn 3rd edition 1841 Published in two volumes. With 30 full page colour plates. From the preface: In preparing for the press this edition of a work which has been received by the Public with that approbation which is the sweetest and the only satisfying reward of mental labour, I have not found much to add. The zeal with which natural science is now prosecuted, has, however, enabled me to give notices of a few rare birds, which had not been previously mentioned in these kingdoms even as stragglers; and I have, with all care I could bestow, revised the whole work, so as to correct those errors, whether of pen or press, which are perhaps unavaoidable.

The Birds Of Europe Vol. I: Raptores John Gould Colour plates: John Gould, Elizabeth Gould, Edward Lear Published by the author 1837 This is the first volume of the five volume Birds Of Europe which was originally published in 22 parts between 1832 and 1837. From the preface: "It has been frequently remarked that the productions of distant countries have received a much larger share of attention than those objects by which we are more immediately surrounded; and it is certainly true, that while numerous and costly illustrations have made us acquainted with the Ornithology of most other parts of the world, the Birds of Europe, in which we are, or ought to be, most interested, have not received that degree of attention which they naturally demand. The present work has been undertaken to supply this deficiency, and I cannot but feel highly gratified that a number of concurring circumstances have enabled me to carry my intentions into effect with comparative facility, and I hope to the entire satisfaction of the whole of the Subscribers; this I am induced to believe is the case from the patronage with which the work has been honoured since its commencement. ..... Perhaps I may be allowed to add, that not only by far the greater number of the Plates of this work, but all those of my Century of Birds, of the Monograph of the Trogons, and at least three fourths of the Monograph of the Toucans have been drawn and lithographed by Mrs. Gould, from sketches and designs by myself always taken from nature. The remainder of the drawings have been made by Mr. Lear, whose abilities as an artist are so generally acknowledged that any comments of my own are unnecessary.

The Birds Of Europe Vol. II: Insessores John Gould Colour plates: John Gould, Elizabeth Gould, Edward Lear Published by the author 1837 This is the second volume of the five volume Birds Of Europe which was originally published in 22 parts between 1832 and 1837.

The Birds Of Europe Vol. III: Insessores John Gould Colour plates: John Gould, Elizabeth Gould, Edward Lear Published by the author 1837 This is the third volume of the five volume Birds Of Europe which was originally published in 22 parts between 1832 and 1837.

The Birds Of Europe Vol. IV: Rasores, Grallatores John Gould Colour plates: John Gould, Elizabeth Gould, Edward Lear Published by the author 1837 This is the fourth volume of the five volume Birds Of Europe which was originally published in 22 parts between 1832 and 1837.

The Birds Of Europe Vol. V: Natatores John Gould Colour plates: John Gould, Elizabeth Gould, Edward Lear Published by the author 1837 This is the fifth volume of the five volume Birds Of Europe which was originally published in 22 parts between 1832 and 1837.

A History Of The Rarer British Birds T.C. Eyton Illustrated with Woodcuts Longman, Rees, Orme, Brown, Green, and Longman, and Houlston and Son 1836 Originally published in three monthly parts. From the preface: "The principal objects that the Author of the following pages had in view in presenting them to the Public, were, in the first place, to complete, as far as lay in his power, the series of woodcuts of British Birds begun by the late Thomas Bewick of Newcastle, thus enabling those, to whom it may not be convenient to purchase the more splendid but at the same time expensive Illustrations, to possess, at a moderate cost, a series of woodcuts, accompanied with descriptions of the birds of their native country, from which they will be able to recognise any that may, at any time, fall into their hands. Secondly, to present his readers with a complete List of British Birds, with the synonyms of the principal authors on ornithology, in as concise and simple a form as possible, discarding from it all those species that appear to have been introduced from foreign countries."

British Song Birds Being Popular Descriptions And Anecdotes Of The Choristers Of The Groves Neville Wood John W. Parker 1836 From the preface: "It is frequently a matter of surprise, to those little versed in ornithological science, that, although we have already several works relating to Ornithology, and more especially to that of our own island, yet that others, apparently with a similar aim, are almost continually issuing from the press. "Why," say they, "should we have the same history so often over ?" - Now, though this shallow mode of argument appears sufficiently plausible to the "general reader," the experienced Ornithologist at once perceives the emptiness and the absurdity of the remark. If each succeeding author did tell the same story, surely no one would take the needless trouble of consulting their works. But the fact is, that Nature can never be exhausted, and however long and minute the description of the economy of any bird may be, much yet remains to be added. The writers of the Linnaean era seem to have supposed that a few lines would comprise all that it was either possible or necessary to say on the habits of any one bird; and they acted accordingly. But the high-spirited and enthusiastic Wilson at once broke through such trammels and soared far above all his competitors, with a steady and majestic flight. His bright example has since been followed, with more or less success, by various modern authors, and especially by Audubon, whose highly valuable Ornithological Biography deserves unqualified praise. In our own country, Montagu, Selby, and others, have laboured with equal zeal, and no small success. But still, to suppose that these worthies have effected all that can be effected, would indeed be a mistaken notion. No work treating of our Ornithology, hitherto published, has been without its due share of errors and defects; and, indeed, all that we can ever hope to achieve, with regard to the habits of the feathered tribes, is to add as much as possible to their biographies."

Descriptions Of The Rapacious Birds Of Great Britain William MacGillivray Woodcuts: Messrs Sclater and Son based on drawings by the author MacLachan & Stewart, Edinburgh 1836 484 pages with a few woodcuts in the introductory section. There are no species illustrations. From the preface: "It is not entirely consistent with the object of this Treatise, to offer a formal arrangement of the Predaceous Birds that are dispersed over the globe; nor is the knowledge of its author sufficient to enable him to perform such a task, in a manner satisfactory, either to himself or to others. The general observations which he presumes to lay before his readers will therefore be confined to those species, genera, and families, which occur in our own island. The Rapacious Birds of this country are all included in the genera Falco and Strix of Linnaeus, or the two great families of Falconine and Strigine Birds, the former comprehending Eagles and Hawks, the latter Owls. The Order of Rapacious Birds, however, embraces, besides these two families, another, that of the Vultures, which has no representative among the species that are found in Britain, and of which, so far as I know, only two individuals of a single species ha^ been seen at large in that country."

A Manual Of British Vertebrate Animals Or Descriptions Of All The Animals Belonging To The Classes, Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Amphibia, And Pisces, Which Have Been Hitherto Observed In The British Islands: Including The Domesticated, Naturalized, And Extirpated Species Rev. Leonard Jenyns Pitt Press, Cambridge 1835 From the preface: "The present Work contains descriptions of all the Vertebrate Animals, including the domesticated, naturalized, and extirpated species, which have been hitherto observed in the British Islands. The object of its author is to present Naturalists with a Manual in this department of our Fauna, adapted to the existing state of our knowledge, and such as shall be calculated to meet the wants of the Science in that advanced stage to which it has attained since the publication of former works of this nature. In furtherance of this end two points appeared necessary to be attended to. One was to ascertain, as far as practicable, the additions which had been made of late years to our lists of British Animals, to inquire into the respective claims of those which had been admitted into these lists previously, and carefully to distinguish between such species as have unquestionably occurred within the limits of our own Islands, or in the adjoining seas, and others of which reasonable doubts might be entertained in reference to this matter. The other important point, as it appeared to the author, was to take care that the descriptions should as far as possible be obtained from the animals themselves, and nothing inserted upon the credit of other writers which was capable of being verified by personal examination."

The Ornithological Guide In Which Are Discussed Several Interesting Points In Ornithology Charles Thorold Wood Whittaker & Co and W.M. Bemrose 1835 From the preface: "The following pages have been written in the hope of clearing up several disputed points in Ornithology, and setting others on a surer foundation. The reviews, it is to be hoped, will be found useful, and the chapter on the song of birds, as far as I am aware, sets the subject in a new point of view. But still, other authors may have treated it in a similar way for aught I know; only I am not aware of it. If I have erred in any particular, I shall be most happy to be righted. "Si quid novisti rectius istis, Candidus imperti; si non, his utere mecum." That some such catalogue as that affixed to this little volume has long been wanted, is evident on entering any museum whether public or private: the objects being generally without any label at all, or I otherwise having an inscription illegible or erroneous. And thus the visitor, unless he comes merely for beautiful colors and elegant forms, loses half the pleasure which an attentive examination of one of these collections is calculated to afford."

The Natural History Of Birds Robert Mudie Orr And Smith 1834 Contents: Distinction Of Birds; General Structure; External Parts, Skeleton; Classification, Bills As Indicating Habits; Feet Of Birds As Illustrative Of Their Habits And Haunts; Wings And Sternal Apparatus As Indicating Power And Style Of Flight From the preface: "A general notion of the substance and order of the book may be obtained by glancing over the analysis of the contents. The titles of the chapters are the great divisions; the words in small capitals which stand out in the margins to catch the eye, are the subordinate divisions; and the words which follow these are some of the points. Thus there are three steps of analysis, only the last one is necessarily imperfect, as inserting all the points would have been repeating the whole substance of the book. The origin of the book, and the manner in which I have attempted to manage the execution of it, may be gleaned from the introduction. This introduction I, very respectfully but very earnestly, recommend to the attention of the reader, and more peculiarly to those readers who are interested in promoting the grand cause of knowledge, whether in themselves personally, or in others, especially in the young and the unexperienced. I do not ask a single reader to agree with me in any one point of detail, but I invite all to apply their closest observation and their most dispassionate thought to the subject; and I am quite sure they will and they must agree with me, that the great body of the people may be much better educated in much less time than they have hitherto been."

Illustrations Of British Ornithology Prideaux John Selby Vol. I: Land Birds Vol. II: Water Birds Printed For The Proprietor An Published By W. H. Lizars, Edinburgh; Longman, Rees, Orme, Brown, Green and Longman, London; and W. Curry Jun & Co. Dublin 1833 Published in two volumes each of which had the text and plates bound separately. This is the second edition of the Land Birds volume which was originally published in 1825. From the preface: "The Author cannot permit a Second Edition of his First Volume (together with the completion of his Work in a Second Volume) to issue from the Press, without congratulating his readers and the scientific world at large, upon the great degree of attention and minute accuracy of investigation which have been extended to the present branch of Natural History since his labours commenced. No trouble has been spared on his part, not only in elucidating the subjects of his second volume to the best of his ability, but in solving such doubts, and reconciling such discrepancies, as were unavoidably left in the former portion of his work; and he trusts that, having rejected the former arrangement of J.M. Temminck, and adopted now, through both volumes, that lately proposed by Mr Vigors (and since followed by many eminent naturalists), will have materially contributed to that end. This resolution was taken upon his most perfect conviction that the last mentioned plan of Classification is more in accordance with that natural Order, under which, it must be convincingly evident to those who will at all study the subject, the works of the Almighty Creator are offered to view. The Author trusts that these two volumes may (under their present plan) be not merely regarded as elucidatory of the accompanying Plates, but may claim the higher title to public attention, as a compact and systematic Manual of British Ornithology; and that his work may become useful, both from its portable size, and from the readiness of reference it will afford to the student in this interesting department of science."

An Outline Of The Smaller British Birds Intended For The Use Of Ladies And Young Persons Robert A. Slaney Longman, Rees, Orme, Brown, Green & Longman 1832 Preface: "The author, having often derived pleasure from watching the habits of birds, thought that a familiar introduction to this branch of Natural History might prove useful to ladies and young persons, who were not desirous to enter on scientific descriptions, or to encounter works of greater length. With this intention the following pages have been written, comprising extracts from several writers on the subject, together with a few original observations. As this outline has only been sketched at intervals afforded by other employments, the author hopes it may not be criticised with severity."

Ornithological Dictionary Of British Birds Colonel G. Montagu Plan of study and many new articles and original observations by James Rennie Hurst, Chance & Co Second edition 1831 This single volume work combines the original 1802 publication, the 1813 supplement, and new material written by James Rennie.

The British Naturalist Or, Sketches Of The More Interesting Productions Of Britain And The Surrounding Sea Volume II Robert Mudie Whittaker, Treacher, And Arnot 1830 This volume was originally published anonymously. The book examines different seasons. Contents: The Year; Spring; Summer From the preface: "The favourable reception of the first volume of 'the British Naturalist,' has convinced the author that the plan, which he has attempted, of representing the works of creation in their natural groupes, is far from the least interesting; and it is certainly the best and, perhaps, the only way of making the pages of a written book have some resemblance to those of the book of nature, and thus rendering the transition from the closet to the field, a transition in degree only, and not one in kind, as it necessarily is when the plant or the animal, of which the written account has been studied, is found surrounded with other subjects, all of which are unknown, and, as novelties, really have the most attraction. But in a climate so variable as that of Britain, changes of season are attended with as much difference in the appearances and habits of natural objects as changes of scene; and, therefore, in- stead of introducing the subject in detached parts, it has been thought better to give, in this volume, a very slight general glance at the natural history of the year, as affected by the motions of the earth and the changing actions of the sun and moon. That part of the subject is not very easily treated, without more technicality than is consistent with the plan of a work, the express objects of which are plainness and simplicity. But it is hoped that, with the assistance of the plate and the explanation, the subject will not be wholly un- intelligible to those who are not conversant with descriptive and physical astronomy; and those who are so conversant, will readily find an excuse for the imperfection of a little sketch of that, which they themselves must have learned through the study of many profound and elaborate volumes."

The British Naturalist Or, Sketches Of The More Interesting Productions Of Britain And The Surrounding Sea Volume I Robert Mudie Whittaker, Treacher, And Arnot 1830 This volume was originally published anonymously. The book examines different habitats. Contents: Introduction; The Mountain; The Lake; The River; The Sea; The Moor; The Brook From the preface: "Some apology may seem to be necessary for the appearance of a new work upon Natural History, more especially of a work that is sanctioned by no name or authority, and pretends to no systematic arrangement. Now these, which not a few may think imperfections, are intended to enable the British Naturalist to stand up for judgment, to be awarded according to its real merits. The dictum of authority, and the divisions of system, are the bane of study to the people at large. The former never fails to repress the spirit of inquiry; and in the latter, the parts are so many, and so scattered, that one cannot understand the whole: it were as easy to tell the hour from the disjointed movements of a number of watches jumbled together in a box, as to find " how nature goes," from the mere dissection of her works. I do not want to hear the harangue of the exhibitor; I want to see the exhibition itself, and that he shall be quiet, and let me study and understand that in my own way. If I meet with any object that arrests my attention, I do not wish to run over the roll of all objects of a similar kind; I want to know something about the next one, and why they should be in juxtaposition. If, for instance, I meet with an eagle on a moun tain cliff, I have no desire to be lectured about all the birds that have clutching talons and crooked beaks. That would take me from the book of nature, which is before me, rob me of spectacle, and give me only the story of the exhibitor, which I have no wish either to hear or to remember."

A History Of British Animals Exhibiting The Descriptive Characters And Systematical Arrangement Of The Genera And Species Of Quadrupeds, Birds, Reptiles, Fishes, Mollusca, And Radiata Of The United Kingdom Including The Indigenous, Extirpated, And Extinct Kinds, Together With Periodical And Occasional Visitants John Fleming Printed for Bell & Bradfute, Edinburgh and James Duncan, London 1828 Includes 105 pages on birds. From the preface: "The study of British Zoology is peculiarly attractive to the intelligent observer of nature in this country, by the facility with which many species, in the different groups of animals, can be procured for accurate examination. Their forms, structure, and successive developement, can be traced in detail, together with the functions which they exercise, and the various circumstances by which they are controlled. In this manner just conceptions of the laws of organization, and the limits to the distribution of the species, may be acquired, and the mind qualified for speculating on the more extended relations of the animal kingdom. A valuable collection of facts will likewise be secured, by which the most fascinating generalisations may be tested - those productions which, like a map, should always be received with suspicion, if inaccurate within the sphere of individual observation."

A Treatise On British Song-Birds Patrick Syme John Anderson / Simpkin & Marshall 1826 From the introduction: "Though men congregate in cities, it may be presumed, from various circumstances, that they assemble there more from necessity, than any preference founded on natural love for a town-life. Men do not naturally prefer crowded streets, confined alleys, or dusty rooms, to woodland walks, grassy paths, or green arbours. Do not those, whose professions prevent them from getting to the country, endeavour to bring it as much as possible to them ? What are town-gardens, and shrubberies in squares, but an attempt to ruralize the city? So strong is the desire in man to participate in country pleasures, that he tries to bring some of them even to his room. Plants and birds are sought after with avidity, and cherished with delight. With flowers, he endeavours to make his apartments resemble a garden; - and thinks of groves and fields, as he listens to the wild, sweet melody of his little captives. Those who keep and take an interest in song-birds, are often at a loss how to treat their little warblers during illness, or to prepare the proper food best suited to their various constitutions. But this knowledge is absolutely necessary to preserve these little creatures in health: For want of it, young amateurs and bird-fanciers have often seen, with regret, many of their favourite birds perish."

Illustrations Of British Ornithology Part First: Land Birds Prideaux John Selby Printed For Archibald Constable & Co and Hurst, Robinson & Co 1825 This part was published with text and plates in separate volumes. Part two was not published until 1833 at which time a new edition of the Land Birds part was also published. From the preface: "I cannot allow the present volume to meet the public eye, without offering a few remarks upon the design and execution of this work. The etchings do not pretend to any merit beyond that of fidelity of delineation, upon a scale hitherto unattempted, and to that spirit and character which will generally attend drawings made, as much as possible, from living specimens. With respect to the letter-press, I have not professed to give a complete history of British Birds, and have not, therefore, drawn together into one focus all that has been better said by other writers upon the subject; but have contented myself with referring, by occasional notes, to any anecdotes particularly interesting as to the species under consideration. The present work bears the title only of Illustrations, and, as such, I was chiefly anxious to clear the systematic arrangement, of such discrepancies as still existed; to condense the species, by excluding such enlargements as had arisen from a want of strict attention to the changes of plumage under different periods of age; and to add to the general stock of knowledge my mite of personal observation on the habits of this interesting tribe of creatures."

A General History Of Birds John Latham Printed by Jacob & Johnson for the Author 1821-1824 Published in 10 volumes between 1821 and 1824. Each volume includes a number of colour plates. The work is an enlarged and revised version of the authors General Synopsis of Birds which was published between 1781 and 1785. From the preface: "It is now nearly twenty years since the last Volume, or Second Supplement to the Synopsis of Birds, was published; and it is satisfactory to observe the daily increase of the admirers of Natural History in general, particularly in the department of Ornithology. At the time of publishing the Synopsis, we had no intention of writing further on the subject; but we have subsequently availed ourselves of every opportunity of correcting and amending any errors or misrepresentations which had unavoidably arisen in that work, and were tempted, at the same time, to commit to paper, descriptions of every new discovery in that branch; and especially to compare Birds, nearly similar in plumage, with each other, with the intention of ascertaining whether they were distinct as to species, or varying only in sex, or immature in feather. In this we trust we have succeeded in very many instances, and have to acknowledge the great assistance afforded by the labours of M. Temminck, of Amsterdam, whose views have been directed to the same point, as may be seen more fully in his last Manuel d'Ornithologie. From the above sources we have been enabled to give to the public a great variety of new matter, as well as new subjects, and although this might possibly have been attained by means of continued Supplements, it would have required at least two of these as appendages to the former ones, which would have so embarrassed the whole, as to make it no easy matter to search after the complete history of any single subject wanted. On this account we have resolved to begin this work, as it were anew, and so to blend the old with the new matter, as to give the observations and additions of many years at one view. Moreover, had the publishing any further Supplements been resolved on, we are constrained to say, that many of the possessors of the first Seven Volumes would have had cause of complaint, from there having been a confined number of copies printed of the Second Supplement or Eighth Volume, insomuch as totally to preclude very many persons from completing their sets; and it is the more to be lamented, as this last volume was not a little interesting, from its containing many valuable additions, besides a considerable number of Birds, from New-Holland, not before described."

Supplement To The Ornithological Dictionary; Or, Synopsis of British Birds George Montagu Printed by S. Woolmer, Exeter 1813 A supplement to the two volume work published in 1802. From the introduction: "Since the publication of the Ornithological Dictionary, we have continued our observation upon the characters and habits of British Birds, with the usual ardour and indefatigable research, the result of which has been a very considerable addition to our knowledge in that branch of natural history. It might appear arrogant in us to enlarge upon the advantages science may have derived from the discoveries we have made, but we may venture to say, that a considerable portion of new and interesting matter will be found concerning the economy habits, changes, and. variations of species not before published; and that descriptions of many new and rare birds, elucidated by figures, will be observed to enrich the following pages."

British Fauna; Containing A Compendium Of The Zoology Of The British Isles Including The Classes Mammalian, Birds, Amphibia, Fishes and Worms W. Turton Printed by J. Evans, Swansea 1807 Title page has Volume I but it is possible that no other volumes were produced. From the preface: "The various subjects of creation are arranged into the three Kingdoms of Animals, Vegetables and Minerals. These several Kingdoms are distributed into Classes, which are reduced into Orders: the orders are divided into Genera or families, ultimately subdivided into Species or individuals, with their accidental varieties. Local arrangements, systematically exhibited, have ever been considered as highly subservient to a general knowledge of natural history; inasmuch as by the contemplation of a smaller range, the various objects contained in it may be more accurately examined and described. The Fauna of the British Islands, has hitherto been only attempted, according to the Linnean system, in the imperfect Synopsis of Berkenhout. The Author has therefore gathered together in a compendious and portable form, whatever he has had an opportunity autopsically to examine and describe, or collect from the labours of modern individuals and societies."

Ornithological Dictionary; Or, Alphabetical Synopsis of British Birds George Montagu Printed for J. White, Fleet Street 1802 Published in two volumes. From the introduction: "The variety of publications on Ornithology are as extensive as instructive; but the difficulty of discrovering any particular species in the works of an author, where the bird is called by a difierent name from which it may be provincially denominated has, we we conceive been a preventive to a more enlarged investigation of that part of the natural history of our country. To persons well acquainted with the generic characters the difficulty may not be so great; but the general part of mankind might wade through volumes before they would find the object of their inquiry. For such persons, therefore, who are desirous of being better acquainted with the most beautiful part of the animal creation we have published the following Dictionary of British Ornithology, in hopes of advancing knowledge on the subject."

The Birds Of Great Britain Systematically Arranged, Accurately Engraved, And Painted From Nature, With Descriptions Including The Natural History Of Each Bird Volume VIII W. Lewin Painted under the immediate direction of the author 1801 Printed for J. Johnson in St Paul's Church-Yard Published in eight volumes between 1795 and 1801.

The Birds Of Great Britain Systematically Arranged, Accurately Engraved, And Painted From Nature, With Descriptions Including The Natural History Of Each Bird Volume VII W. Lewin Painted under the immediate direction of the author 1800 Printed for J. Johnson in St Paul's Church-Yard Published in eight volumes between 1795 and 1801.

The Birds Of Great Britain Systematically Arranged, Accurately Engraved, And Painted From Nature, With Descriptions Including The Natural History Of Each Bird Volume VI W. Lewin Painted under the immediate direction of the author 1800 Printed for J. Johnson in St Paul's Church-Yard Published in eight volumes between 1795 and 1801.