The natural history of British birds, or, A selection of the most rare, beautiful and interesting birds which inhabit this country : the descriptions from the Systema naturae of Linnaeus : with general observations, either original or collected from the latest and most esteemed English ornithologists : and embellished with figures, drawn, engraved, and coloured from the original specimens

The first 5 volumes were issued in monthly parts, each consisting of 2 plates and accompanying text A volume came out each year between 1794 and 1798; the fifth volume stated: "This work being now completed." However, five additional volumes, numbered 6-10, were published between 1816 and 1819 "[W]e have also placed an index, in the manner of Pennant and Latham, at the conclusion of each volume"--v. 1, p. [7] (1st group) Each plate accompanied by 1-6 pages of descriptive letterpress Vol. I. 1794; plates 1-24. v. 2. 1795; plates 25-48. v. 3. 1796; plates 49-72. v. 4. 1797; plates 73-100. v. 5. 1798, plates 101-124. v. 6. 1809; plates 125-148. v. 7. 1816; plates 149-172. v. 8. 1817; plates 173-196. v. 9. 1818; plates 197-220. v. 10. 1819, plates 221-244 Publisher varies. Volume 6 and the remaining volumes have "Printed for the author, and for F.C. and J. Rivington ...." Printers include: Law and Gilbert (v. 6); R. & R. Gilbert (v. 7); and R. Gilbert (v. 10) Donovan based some of his descriptions and illustrations on the bird specimens he acquired from the Leverian Museum A companion volume by Donovan, The natural history of the nest and eggs of British birds, was issued begining in 1826, but remained unfinished with just 5 parts (of an anticipated 24 parts) completed Erratum on the final p. of v. 9 Includes bibliographical references and indexes ESTC (online) Soulsby, B.H. Linnaeus (2nd ed.) Gibb's Bookshop Ltd.; Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum library (CHMRB) has a partial copy; the Cullman Library (SCNHRB) has a complete copy CHMRB copy has v. 1-4 bound together in 1 v. (39088006016927), only SCNHRB copy is complete, and bound in 10 v SCNHRB copy has bookplate: Smithsonian Institution Libraries. Purchased with a gift from Dr. Storrs L. Olson and the Cullman Endowment SCNHRB copy has later blind- and gilt-tooled brown half-morocco leather bindings with brown paper boards, raised bands, brown endpapers, and red sprinkled edges