For your consideration is this First Edition of "The Original Water-Color Paintings by John James Audubon for The Birds Of America," American Heritage Publishing Co., Inc., New York, 1966, Two (2) volumes. Illustrated with 431 full-page, full-colour, plates, including full-page colour frontispiece portrait of Audubon by John Syme. John James Audubon's Birds of America is a portal into the natural world. Issued serially in installments over a period of 12 years, Birds of America stands not only as one of the most beautiful books ever created, but also as an important contribution to the ornithological field: of the 435 birds illustrated in the work's four volumes, 25 were previously undocumented, and six are now extinct. John James Audubon (1785-1851) was a self-taught ornithologist, naturalist and artist. He was notable for his extensive studies documenting all types of American birds and for his detailed illustrations, which depicted the birds in their natural habitats. The Birds of America, Audubon's collection of lifelike drawings, was a feat of artistry, technical skill and determination, and is one of the finest ornithological works ever completed. The volumes are in very nice condition, unmarked, unread, tight, square, and clean. Blue cloth bound gold gilt hardcovers exhibit fading on spines. Volumes each measure 10.875"W x 13.5"L x 1.375"D, combined weight 11lb 4oz.