Hand-colored illustrations of the beautiful and wonderful in animated nature, with full explanatory text.

Chicago, IL: Published by S. J. Wheeler, 1880. Book. Very good+ condition. Hardcover. First Edition. Elephant Folio - over 15" - 23" tall. A large portfolio containing 25 printed leaves of text, and 12 color plate leaves. This work is undated, but other natural history works of C. G. Wheeler were published by S. J. Wheeler in Chicago as early as 1873; the date of this publication is circa 1880. Charles Gilbert Wheeler (1836-1912), prior to publishing this work, was a Professor in the University of Chicago. Meaures 25 inches (64cm) by 19 inches (48cm). Three of the plates have minor damage to the margins, including scuffing, discoloration, and tearing and/or creasing; this does not affect the illustrations, which are nearly perfect and in brilliant hand-color. The title page is slightly soiled, as are a few other page edges. Plates protected with tissue guards, many of which are creased, and one is soiled at one edge. Portfolio case with leather spine and corners is moderately sunned at extremities, with minor rubbing to the extremities, and minor to moderate flecking to edges of cloth part of binding. String-ties are mostly lacking. There appears to be four institutional holdings according to OCLC. Birds, Reptiles, Fishes, Invertebrate animals.. (Inventory #: 011623)