At an early age, Audubon developed an interest in nature and drawing. He spent time exploring woods and making drawings of birds before devoting himself to his ornithological and zoological interests. When he took his drawings to a British publisher in 1826, his genius was immediately recognized. He published The Birds of America, which was issued in five volumes as Ornithological Biography. Signed book: Ornithological Biography, Volume IV. Edinburgh: Adam and Charles Black, 1838. Hardcover, 6.5 x 11, 613 pages. Inscribed on the half-title page “To Col. J. J. Abert with the author’s best wishes, Edin; Nov. 1838.” In good condition, with the signed page and both covers detached, missing spine, light toning and foxing to signed page, as well as some edge loss. R&R COA.
