Description
This print is from the second of Elliot’s great folio monographs, dealing with 25 species of grouse. In the preface to the set, Elliot stated: “In choosing a family of birds for a second Monograph, I was induced to make a selection of the Tetraoninae, not only on account of their varied forms and interesting habits, but also for the important part they bear toward man’s comfort and happiness.”
All of the plates are derived from Elliot’s own drawings except the Kunalee Grouse, which in part is also based on the drawings of natural history artist Joseph Wolf. The lithographic work was executed by Bowen & Co., the Philadelphia publishers of the octavo edition of Audubon’s Birds of America. They were among the very best American lithographic printers in this period. Elliot’s grouse monograph is one of only three works by Elliot produced in the United States. Nonetheless although his later works were printed in Europe, some retained a New York imprint.
Daniel Giraud Elliot (1835–1915) was distinguished American ornithologist, zoologist, and author renowned for his contributions to the study and documentation of avian species. A founding member of the American Ornithologists’ Union, Elliot authored several influential works. He used his independent wealth to produce lavishly illustrated monographs on exotic birds such as The Monograph of the Phasianidae, A Monograph of the Paradiseidae, and A Monograph of the Tetraoninae. His meticulous descriptions and artistic collaborations with prominent illustrators of the time, like Joseph Wolf, advanced the understanding and appreciation of ornithological diversity. The costly production of such works made them popular among affluent individuals and institutions. Additionally, Elliot also served as curator of zoology at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago, where he continued to advocate for the preservation of wildlife and the dissemination of scientific knowledge. His legacy endures as a pioneer in ornithological literature and natural history.
Condition: Generally very good, recently professionally cleaned and deacidified, with light remaining overall toning, handling, wear.
References
Anker, Jean. Bird Books and Bird Art. 1938. New York: Martino, 1990. p. 128.
Bennett, Whitman. A Practical Guide To American Book Collecting (1663-1940). Bennett Book Studios, New York, 1941. P 19.
Sitwell, Sacheverell. Fine Bird Books, 1700-1900. New York: The Atlantic Monthly Press, 1990. P. 74.
Nissen, Claus. Die Illustrierten Vogelbucher: ihre Geschichte und Bibliographie. Stuttgart:1976. P. 293.
Wood, Casey A. (ed.) An Introduction to the Literature of Vertebrate Zoology Based Chiefly on the Titles in the Blacker Library of Zoology, the Emma Shearer Wood Library of Ornithology, the Bibliotheca Osleriana, and Other Libraries of McGill University, Montreal. London: Humphry Milford, Oxford University Press, 1931. P. 331.
Zimmer, John Todd. Catalogue of the Edward E. Ayer Ornithological Library. Zoological Series, Publ. 205, Vol. 16. Chicago: Field Museum of Natural History, 1926.