The Paintings of Norman Lighton for "Roberts Birds of South Africa." (Limited Deluxe Edition, Signed)

A fine copy of Lighton's greatest works of ornithological painting.

Norman C. K. Lighton's paintings for Austin Roberts's landmark 1940 reference work The Birds of South Africa were reproduced in that original publication at a fraction of their true size and detail, owing to the technical and cost limitations of the letterpress printing process then in general use. This 1976 volume, edited by A. V. Bird, was conceived specifically to remedy that limitation: reproducing Lighton's surviving paintings via modern lithography at nearly full scale, allowing the artist's original detail, colour, and technique to be appreciated in a way the earlier, much-reduced Roberts editions never permitted.

Limited edition. Limited to 300 numbered copies, this being number 113. Signed by both Norman Lighton and A. V. Bird on the limitation page. Elephant Folio. Full blue Morocco. Gilt titling to cover and spine. [xii] pp. prelims, plus 51 full-page colour plates (versos) with facing captions (rectos), lithographically reproduced at approximately two-thirds the size of Lighton's original paintings. New frontispiece painted by Lighton specifically for this edition, replacing the lost original Ostrich plate. Five of the original fifty-six plates (Nos. 1, 31, 32, 40, and 48) are absent from all copies of this and every related edition. Accompanied by a separate folio of six loose colour plates and a Certificate of Authenticity, numbered and signed by Bird. Well preserved, free from imperfections. A beautiful copy.

Please note: This is a large and heavy elephant folio volume. Additional postage costs may apply. If so, we will contact you after purchase.

This book is currently on display in our Paddington store. If you would like more information or to arrange a viewing, please contact: rarebooks@harryhartog.com.au

Catalogue Number: HH000764