New Acquisition, June 2026
The Birds of the British Isles, Bannerman, David Armitage, illustrated by George E. Lodge. Oliver & Boyd (Edinburgh & London, 1953-1963). Twelve volumes (complete), first editions. Very good condition. £220.
Published between 1953 and 1963, Dr Bannerman’s authoritative twelve-volume work was a milestone in British ornithological publications, the first post-war effort at a comprehensive overview of Britain’s birds. The books deal with the identification, distribution, habitat and behaviour of each British species in detail, thereby offering the 21st century reader an insight into Britain’s ornithological wealth prior to the environmental changes of the last 30 years. Bannerman writes with the authority that one might expect from a man who was Curator of the Museum of Natural History from 1919 to 1952. His words are accompanied by numerous (between 30 and 42 colour plates per volume) fine illustrations by George E. Lodge, a renowned bird artist and a former President of the British Ornithologists’ Union.
This is the complete set of twelve volumes. All are first editions and all sport their original dust covers. They are all in very good condition. Previous owner’s bookplates to inside covers, light foxing to page edges, no other marks, clean and bright, tight binding. The green cloth boards are also very good, with the occasional small mark, but most in near fine condition. The dust covers are in good condition. There is some foxing to lighter areas, sunning to spines, and some chipping and small tears to edges. Some loss to the bottom right front corner of Volume II, occasional old Sellotape repairs to small tears, but no major flaw.
Please click here to view and purchase the book on Abebooks. If you would like to buy directly, please email us at reptonandclover@gmail.com. If you have any queries about the books, please write to the same email address.
