The Birds of America by John James Audubon - 1944 Macmillan Edition - 435 Color Plates

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The Birds of America by John James Audubon - 1944 Macmillan Edition - 435 Color Plates
A Spectacular Early Edition … Read more The Birds of America by John James Audubon - 1944 Macmillan Edition - 435 Color Plates
A Spectacular Early Edition with Country House Charm
Discovered at a delightfully quirky Vermont house sale, this magnificent 1944 Macmillan edition of Audubon's legendary "The Birds of America" embodies the perfect marriage of natural history and country house style. The book has been lovingly recovered in vintage wallpaper over the original cloth cover - a charming detail that speaks to generations of book lovers who treasured this volume enough to give it new life.
About This Historic Work
This spectacular early edition features 435 full-color prints measuring 12" x 8", faithfully reproducing Audubon's original 1827-1830 plates. John James Audubon's "Birds of America" stands as one of the greatest achievements in natural history illustration, and this 1944 printing of the 1937 Macmillan issuance brings these masterful images to a more accessible quarto format.
Edition Details & Features

435 color plates - stunning reproductions of the original 1827-1830 illustrations
Introduction by William Vogt - noted ornithologist and conservationist
Descriptive captions providing context for each species
Transcript of original legends from Audubon's plates with scholarly notes
Index of Common Names for easy reference
Facsimile title page from an original issue
Full rust buckram boards with gilt-stamped wild turkey image on cover and spine

Condition & Provenance
Book Condition: Good vintage condition with the charming recovered wallpaper cover adding country house character. Interior pages in good condition with beautiful, vibrant color reproduction. Binding adequate for this large format book.
Prints Condition: Very good - the colors remain beautiful and true to Audubon's vision.
Size: Large quarto format, 12" x 8" plates
Provenance: Vermont country house collection, recovered with vintage wallpaper in the tradition of beloved, well-used library books
Multiple Uses & Value
This edition offers wonderful versatility:

Complete reference work for bird enthusiasts and naturalists
Coffee table book showcasing America's avian heritage
Interior design element with its charming recovered cover
Potential art source - many collectors frame individual plates as wall art
Historical document representing both Audubon's genius and mid-20th century publishing

Historical Significance
Audubon's original "Birds of America" (1827-1830) revolutionized natural history illustration with its life-sized depictions and scientific accuracy. This 1944 Macmillan edition makes these extraordinary images accessible while maintaining the quality and detail that made Audubon's work legendary.
A perfect addition to any country home, library, or collection - this charming copy brings together natural history, artistic beauty, and the lived-in character that only comes from generations of appreciation.

Title: The Birds of America
Author: John James Audubon
Publisher: Macmillan, 1944 (printing of 1937 edition)
Plates: 435 full-color reproductions
Size: Quarto format, 12" x 8"
Cover: Recovered in vintage wallpaper over original cloth
Condition: Good vintage with very good plates
Introduction: William Vogt See less