Author: SHELLEY, (G.E.)
Title: A Monograph of the Nectariniidae or Family of Sun-Birds
Date: 1876 - 1880
Price: GBP £ 12,000
Book Code:

A Monograph of the Nectariniidae,or Family of Sun-Birds.

[London,Published by the Author,1876-1880 Folio(330 x 265mm),contemporary half red morocco gilt,,spines gilt in compartments,top edge gilt,with 121 superb hand-coloured plates by and after J.G.Keulemans,many varnished in a style to create iridescence,a fine copy.

Perhaps the most beautiful of all the monographs the Nectariniidae illustrates 138 species, including two new genera and ten new species.Keulemans was familiar with these small birds and they were among his favourites.He became aquainted and made notes on the Sun-birds in their native environment, whilst visiting Prince's Island.

The work first appeared in twelve parts from July 28,1876 to February 1880.The original title of the work was ‘A Monograph of the Cinnyridae,'etc.,later changed to the Nectariniidae in the final title.

‘An excellent mongraph of an interesting family of birds'Zimmer.
Zimmer p.588 ;Nissen IVB 873 ;Fine Bird Books,p.108 ;Wood,p.566.