World Treasury of Birds in Color, Cecil Madsen, 1974 Ornate Illustrations

Who wrote it
World Treasury of Birds in Color features texts by Cecil Madsen, translated by David Macrae, and was originally published by Editions Minerva SA of Geneva. This edition was published by Galahad Books of New York City. The illustrations are reproductions of engravings by Audubon, Gould, and several other artists drawn from the great tradition of nineteenth-century natural history illustration.

What it's about
A survey of birds from around the world, organized by habitat and species, with each entry pairing a large-format color illustration with descriptive text on the facing page. The book covers migratory birds, aquatic birds, birds of prey, tropical species, and more, with a geographical range that spans every continent.

Special features
The format is unlike most bird books: full-page and double-page color plates face the text rather than being grouped separately, so the reading experience feels almost like moving through a gallery. The engravings themselves range from Audubon's naturalism to Gould's precision, and seeing them gathered together in a single volume is genuinely wonderful. The frontispiece, a double-page spread of a bird's nest surrounded by pink blossoms on a dark ground, sets the tone beautifully.

Why I like it
I love the layout of this book, the way the illustrations and text fit together on the page, and of course the artwork itself. These are some of the most beautiful bird engravings ever made, and this edition presents them generously.

Condition
Hardcover with pictorial dust jacket. Jacket shows significant wear including tape repairs at the corners and spine and a large tear on the back; the boards underneath are clean. Interior is bright and clean throughout. Please review all photos carefully, and email me with any questions.
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❤️ Jess