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Author: Willughby, Francis
Title: The Ornithology of Francis Willughby of Middleton in the county of Warwick Esq; fellow of the Royal Society. In three books. Wherein all the birds hitherto known, being reduced into a method sutable to their natures, are accurately described. The descriptions illustrated by most elegant figures, nearly resembling the live birds, engraven in LXXVII copper plates
Place Published: London
Publisher:Printed by A.C. for John Martyn
Date Published: 1678
Description:

[12], 53, [3], 55-271, [3], 273-441, [7] pp. Translated and expanded by John Ray. With 78 copper-engraved plates of birds following the text, and 2 unnumbered copper-engraved plates of bird traps in text. (Folio) 36x22.5 cm (14¼x9"), modern half calf and marbled boards, raised bands with compartments and morocco lettering piece stamped in gilt. First edition in English.

English translation of Ornithologiae libri tres, first published in 1676. Early attempt to classify organisms by physical similarity in anticipation of Linnaeus, as opposed to the then-dominant Aristotelian system of classification. The English edition expands the text to include treatises on fowling, songbirds, and falconry. Books 2 and 3 each preceded by inserted leaf bearing table for respective book.

Ex-library copy with bookplate, stamps throughout; slight toning, occasional foxing, dampstain to bottom of most leaves; very good or better.