Lot 3106: LATHAM, JOHN. 1740-1837.

A General Synopsis of Birds. London: for Benj. White, or Leigh & Sotheby, 1781-1785. 3 volumes in 6. * With: Supplement to the General Synopsis of Birds. London: for Leigh & Sotheby, 1787. iv, [2], 416; 417-788, [34]; ii, 366; 367-808, [38]; [4], 328; 329-628, [34]; iv, 298, [15] pp. 4to (243 x 187 mm). 7 hand-colored engraved titles and 119 hand-colored engraved plates. 19th century green morocco over marbled boards, spine gilt. Occasional light foxing, spines with some rubbing, mainly to spine.

First edition. This work contains the earliest ornithological record of birds of Hawaiian Islands, the information having been derived largely from the information collected by William Ellis on Cook's Voyage. Although the series contains only three plates of Hawaiian birds, many other specimens are described in the text. The text also contains important descriptions of New Zealand and Australian birds, as well as specimens from other Pacific Islands, particularly Tahiti. "Latham dominated ornithology for half a century and perusal of his work leaves no doubt that he was not only a great worker, but in the front rank among the scientists his time" (G.M. Mathews, Ibis, 13th series, vol. I [1931]: pp 466-475). Forbes 31.
Provenance: Gardner S. Chapin (bookplates).
See illustration.