George Edwards was an Englishman who occupied the position of Librarian at the Royal College of Physicians in 1733, while pursuing his natural interest in Ornithology. Between 1742-1751, Edwards produced "A Natural History of Birds," also called "The Natural History of Uncommon Birds," in 4 volumes. It was an instant success due in large part to his precise, detailed and accurate drawings. He was known to paint his birds several times over before engraving them on copper. This delightful engraving of a Swallow-tailed Kingfisher is a perfect example of Edwards' meticulous attention to detail in his drawings, beautifully hand colored in watercolor. This example is from a later edition published circa 1838.

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Condition: A

Original color on a full sheet watermarked with "J. Whatman Turkey Mill 1838." Very minor marginal soiling.