BELON (Pierre). Lot n° 8

History of the nature of birds. Paris, Benoit Prevost, sold at Gilles Corrozet, 1555. In-folio de (28), 381, (1) pp., late 18th century binding in fawn half calf, spine decorated, red edges. First edition. Two skeletal plates and 158 woodblocks representing birds in the text. Numerous superb ornate initials with animal motifs. "This work, the first one written in French exclusively dedicated to birds, marks an important stage in the history of zoology" (In French in the text). "The second book, which is devoted to birds of prey, contains interesting chapters on falconry" (Thiébaud). Missing is the title page bearing Corrozet's mark and, on the back, the portrait of Belon, here replaced by a photocopy. Except for this missing part, it is a very beautiful copy, carefully adjusted and perfectly preserved. Thiebaud, 65-66; Mortimer, French, I, 50.