While our images are electronically watermarked, the antique prints themselves are not.

Sharp-shinn'd Hawk, Redstart, Yellow Rump AWB45 $145
Each print measures approximately 8 3/4 inches by 11 inches.

Alexander Wilson was born in Scotland, the son of a poor distiller, and was apprenticed as a weaver.  An imaginative youth, his first love was poetry, and he soon renounced his humdrum life for the lure of adventure and prosperity in the new world.  Arriving in America in 1794, he settled near the cultural mecca of the day, Philadelphia, finding work as a teacher.  He met William Bartram, the American naturalist and artist, who encouraged Wilson’s interest in ornithology.  So inspired, Wilson taught himself to draw and embarked on the work that was not only to take the rest of his life, but also predated Audubon’s Birds of America.

Wilson spent ten years of his life traveling widely in the eastern United States, discovering 26 previously unknown species.  In the next hundred years, only 23 more American land birds would be identified.  The first edition of American Ornithology was printed from 1808-1814 and was an outstanding contribution to the world of ornithology as the first work on American birds, printed in America.  Sadly, Wilson died in 1813 before the completion of the publication and it was completed by George Ord.

The first edition was published on a poor-quality paper due to financial constraints. Fifteen years later, due to the success of the work, the financing was available to publish an edition on high quality paper with superior hand coloring.  Please see our listings for selections from this second edition.

It is from the later 1876 edition by Jardine that comprises this selection of all the important birds of America.  It is a unique edition in that it is quarto size and with vivid hand coloring enhanced by gum arabic.  The paper is high quality, thick-wove stock of a creamy colour with some edge toning, measuring approximately 8 3/4 wide by 11 inches long, with good plate marks.  Additionally, the original Wilson text is included with each print, with an occasional photocopy where descriptions overlap.   These prints are truly a rare treasure, and worthy of the pride of place in any print lovers collection.

We accept credit cards & PayPal. Washington state residents pay Washington state sales tax. Shipping for this item is $8.95. Items can be combined to save on postage. Our environment is smoke free. We pack professionally using only new materials. All items are beautifully wrapped and suitable for sending directly as gifts. You may return any item within 7 days if not satisfied. To order, you may call us at 1-888-PANTEEK, fax or email.