The Hawfinch (New Naturalist Monograph 15) [SIGNED]

Description:

First edition. Jacket design by Clifford and Rosemary Ellis. First state, with boards slightly smaller in height and width than the standard monograph format. One of the most elusive titles in the series, described by Bernard & Loe as 'the holy grail of the monographs'.

Bernard & Loe M15A.

Condition

8vo (202x136mm), orig. green buckram, top edge very slightly spotted. Vg in d/w (minor wear, a few slight nicks and chips, short closed tear to top edge of rear panel; spine a little faded; not price clipped; in clear, removable protective sleeve). Decorative bookplate of Hampshire ornithologist, Michael Bryant with author's signed inscription to him, 'For Michael with best wishes Guy'. Loosely inserted are two hand-written letters, signed, dated Dec. 1978 & Jan. 1979, from Guy Mountfort to Michael Bryant. The letters relate to the newly formed Hampshire Ornithological Society, his election as president of the Society, and his first talk to the Society 'on the wildlife of the Galapagos Islands […]. I have visited them four times and am a member of the Charles Darwin Foundation there so am reasonably up to date.' Guy Mountfort (1905-2003), amateur ornithologist and conservationist, was an author of many books on ornithology.