How much is the Birds of America book worth?
$9.65 million
(Reuters) – A first edition of John James Audubon’s “The Birds of America,” one of the most celebrated books of natural history, sold for $9.65 million at auction in New York on Thursday, Christie’s said.
What are Audubon books worth?
$8 million to $12 million
It’s a high-flying success story: A self-taught artist and immigrant defies the odds to create what is now one of the most prized illustrated books in the world, worth an estimated $8 million to $12 million.
What was the name of Audubon’s book?
The Birds of America1827Audubon’s Birds of America1827The viviparous quadruped…1845John James Audubon: American…The Quadrupeds of North A…1851Audubon Birds
John James Audubon/Books
The Birds of America is a book by naturalist and painter John James Audubon, containing illustrations of a wide variety of birds of the United States. It was first published as a series in sections between 1827 and 1838, in Edinburgh and London.
How many copies of Birds of America exist?
119 complete copies
But most of us will never see an original copy of Birds of America. There are only 119 complete copies in existence, and most of them are in libraries and museums (the Smithsonian Institution owns several).
Why is The Birds of America so expensive?
“It is valuable in its artistic nature because it is so well drawn.” The plates were printed in black and white and hand colored afterward. That made the production process extremely expensive, especially since it was carried out by “the best artists of the time,” Harrington said.
How many copies of Audubon’s Birds of America are there?
119 complete
And we marvel at the paintings when we get to see them. But most of us will never see an original copy of Birds of America. There are only 119 complete copies in existence, and most of them are in libraries and museums (the Smithsonian Institution owns several).
What is the rarest bird in America?
Rarest Birds in North American
- California Clapper Rail. Rallus longirostris obsoletus.
- California Condor. Gymnogyps californianus.
- Inyo California Towhee. Pipilo crissalis eremophilus.
- Ivory-billed Woodpecker.
- Kirtland’s Warbler.
- Light-footed Clapper Rail.
- Mississippi Sandhill Crane.
- San Clemente Loggerhead Shrike.
How do you know if you have an original Audubon print?
The name of the countermark is either “J Whatman/Turkey Mill” or just “J Whatman” with a date following, generally anywhere from 1825 to 1838. If you see such a countermark, you have an original Audubon. You may want to have it professionally appraised.
What is rare bird books?
Founded in 2010 by former independent booksellers, Rare Bird is a Los Angeles–based independent publisher of fifty books a year, specializing in fiction, nonfiction, memoir, entertainment, humor, politics, and current events.
What is the hill ornithology collection?
Centered around a remarkable group of rare bird books given to Cornell by Kenneth E. and Dorothy V. Hill, the Hill Ornithology Collection focuses mainly on North American ornithology and on works published before 1900, but its scope is wide. Historical ornithological books of significance from many parts of the world are included.
Why do you follow rare birds?
The member’s area is also great, where you can discuss your views of the books, read the author interviews and read the Rare Bird’s break down of the monthly books. Following Rare Birds has become part of my daily routine. I have found so many wonderful books thanks to them.
What is ornithology?
This beautifully illustrated book opens in the middle of the nineteenth century when ornithology was a museum-based discipline focused almost exclusively on the anatomy, taxonomy, and classification of dead birds.