Features of the 1840 Edition:
Birds included
The first volume of this edition covers a variety of bird species, focusing on the small and medium-sized birds that Audubon observed and documented during his explorations of North America. The volume typically includes a few iconic species such as robins, warblers, and sparrows, although each volume covers birds of different species and habitats.
Coloured plates
As in the other volumes, the first volume contains colour illustrations, made from smaller engravings that were hand-coloured in Audubon's style. The birds were depicted in their natural environment, with precise postures and anatomical details.
Descriptive text
In this edition, each plate or group of plates is accompanied by descriptive text providing detailed information on the species' characteristics, behaviour, habitat and other scientific details.
This edition includes a descriptive and scientific text entitled Ornithological Biography, which accompanies each plate and details the characteristics of the birds.
Format
*Size: The volume follows the octavo format, with an approximate height of 26 cm and width of 18 cm. ( 10.23 in x 7.08 in )
*Number of plates: Although the exact number of plates varies between editions and volumes, there are approximately 80 illustrations.
Historical value
The first volume is highly regarded not only for its artistic value, but also for the scientific importance of documenting the bird species of North America at a time when much of the fauna was unknown to the European and American scientific communities.
This volume, like the others, is now highly prized by collectors and specialist libraries, and its influence on ornithology, art and natural history remains immense.
Copies of these editions have fetched extremely high prices at auction due to their rarity and historical value.
A masterpiece of 19th century ornithological art and documentation.
