Written by John George Wood and published by Selmar Hess, New York. This is the first American edition of this popular work, originally issued under the title The Illustrated Natural History (London, 1851-53). This expanded edition makes substantial additions and revisions related to American animals. Rev. J.G. Wood was a highly successful writer of natural history, whose works were aimed at expanding general knowledge of the subjects. Lavishly illustrated with 24 (of 30) full color chromolithographs and 60 full-page wood engravings, plus numerous illustrations within the text. Volume I - Mammalia, 640 pp. Volume II - Birds, 632 pp. (Missing color plates: Lammergeyer; Titmice; Dipper, Wagtails and Wrens; Paradise Flycatcher; Weaver Birds; and Finches). Volume III - Fishes, Reptiles, Insects, 598 pp. Matching original bindings, brown embossed cloth over boards with gilt lettering on covers and spine, gilt edges.

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Condition: B

Plates and text clean and bright. Missing 5 color bird plates from Vol. II. Binding sound with some shelf wear. Spines on vol. 1 & 3 torn at bottom.