Prev / Next

Books, Autographs & Prints

Tuesday 20 June 2023 e Wednesday 21 June 2023, 03:00 PM • Rome

357

Giuseppe Zinanni

Of the Eggs and Nests of Birds Book I, 1737

Estimate

€ 1.200 - 1.400

Sold

€ 1.548

The price includes buyer's premium

Information

Venice, Antonio Bortoli, 1737. In the 4th, an allegorical frontispiece and 32 very beautiful plates depicting 106 species of eggs divided between birds of prey, non-raptors and aquatic birds, and various types of grasshoppers, to which the second part of the Opera. The text is preceded by the letter of dedication to Ferdinando Maria Duke of Bavaria. Coeval hardcover binding, handwritten title on spine.

Specialist Notes

First and only edition of a rare and unique work of its kind: the first treatise dedicated to birds' eggs and nests. This "first book" was probably followed by another one, never made. The author, also certified as Ginanni (Ravenna 1692 - 1753), was a famous zoologist and naturalist. Very elegantly printed and illustrated volume, on strong paper. Very good copy (front hinge a bit weak).Ceresoli 559: ''Original and unique edition, rare, of the first book, only published, of an unfinished work, the first to deal with the subject''. Gamba 2265. Graesse III, 85. Nissen IV, 1031. Morazzoni 233.