Theodore Jasper was a German-American illustrator and physician by profession, who pursued a life long interest in ornithology. The Birds of North America was one of the first books available for bird identification at a price that more could afford than the works of such artists as Audubon & Gould. The folio contains many beautiful illustrations "drawn and colored from life" by Thomas Jasper showing the different species and varieties of North American birds, with their habitat and characteristics.
The birds are artistically arranged on the page in their natural habitat in a universally appealing manner, with romantic & luminous backgrounds reminscent of the great artists of the day, such as Moran. The quality of the chromolithographs is generally good to very good, with some foxing on certain plates. The lithographs were printed with a biscuit background on a fine paper & measuring about 11 inches by 14 inches. Whenever possible, the original text page will be provided.
[References include: Nissen 473, Wood 306 and 585. Zimmer 333. Anker p. 80: Sitwell Fine Bird Books p. 145] |