John James Audubon (American, 1785-1851)  Ornithological Biography Or An Account Of The Habits Of The Birds Of The United States Of America; Accompanied By Descriptions Of The Objects Represented In The Work Entitled The Birds Of America, And Interspersed With Delineations Of American Scenery And Manners.

First edition of the separately-issued text for the elephant folio Birds of America. Edinburgh & London: Printed by Neill & Co. (Edinburgh) for Adam & Charles Black (Edinburgh) and R. Havell Jun., and Longman, Rees, Brown and Green (London), and various others, 1831-1834-1835-1838-"1849" [i.e.1839]. 5 volumes, large 8vo. (octavo or 10 1/2 x 6 1/4 inches).

Complete in five volumes: 

 Vol I, Introductory Address and Table of Contents, xxiv, pp,506, index 507-512. Under the Special Patronage of Her Most Excellent Majesty, Queen Adelaide, Prospectus, Contents of Vol I of the Birds of America, Extracts from Reviews, Names of Subscribers.

Vol II, 1834, Introduction, Table of Contents, XXXII(with a small hole on page 579, last page of table of contents, before the last paragraph, not affecting text), Subscribers to "The Birds of America", Index, pp.588.

Vol III, 1635, Introduction, Table of Contents, XVI, Subscribers, Index, pp.638.

Vol IV, 1838, Introduction, Table of Contents, xviii, Subscribers Index, pp.618.

Vol V, 1839, Introduction, Table of Contents, List of engravings on Wood, xxxix, Subscribers, Index, pp.664.

All Volumes Bound in Attractive Calf, Half Leather, with Marbled Paper Boards, Raised Bands, with Six Compartments, Maroon and Black Spine Labels with Gilt Lettering. 

Exterior Very Good. Interior has occasional to moderate foxing more so to end pages of text in each volume, two pages in the middle of text in volume I are slightly proud of the text block. Illustrated with engravings throughout. Rather attractive bookplate of previous owner on front pastedown of each volume. A handsome, presentable set.