3 volumes, 8vo. Half-titles, engraved portrait frontispiece of Wilson in vol.1, 103 hand-colored plates engraved by W. H. Lizars after drawings by Wilson. (Some marginal chipping and staining to first few leaves including titles of vols.1 and 2.) Original straight-grain morocco-backed cloth boards, spines gilt-stamped with a large eagle device and lettered in gilt, top edges gilt, W. Bone & Son binder's ticket (discoloration or wear to covers, a few hinges tightened). Provenance: Paul Revere Forbes (bookplates).

Considered the first major scientific work published in the United States (1808-1814) and the most important publication on American ornithology before Audubon. This later edition, in its final state, has the largest number of plates and is the first to appear with hand-colored chromolithographed plates. Reese, Stamped with a National Character 3 (first edition).