Dresser & Keulemans's A Monograph of the Meropidae (Bee-Eaters) - Volume with 34 Originally Hand-Colored Lithographs

Artist or Author: Henry Eeles Dresser & John Gerard Keulemans

Work: A Monograph of the Meropidae

Date of Publication: 1884-1886

Style: Volume with 34 Originally Hand-Colored Lithographs

Paper Size: ~ 15 1/4 by 11 5/8"

Condition: The work is in good to excellent condition overall. There may be some toned or foxed spots to the work. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox marks to be expected with age. Please review the image carefully for condition and contact us with any questions.

Description of the work: This fine book with 34 bee-eater lithographs is Henry Dresser’s A Monograph of the Meropidae. It was published in London by the author between 1884 and 1886. The illustrations are by J. G. Keulemans.

The volume is bound in half leather with publisher board, raised stained with gilt text. The prospectus is included within the book, along with a promotional edition of plate 34, Revoil’s Bee-Eater. There are 34 originally hand-colored lithographs with chart detailing the geographical distribution of the bee-eaters. There were only 250 copies of this book printed.

Henry Eeles Dresser (1838-1915) was a leading figure in ornithological circles. He was elected a Member of the British Ornithologists’ Union in 1865 and served as its secretary from 1882 to 1888. He was a member and fellow of the Linnean and Zoological societies of London and an honorary fellow of the American Ornithologists’ Union.

J. G. Keulemans (1842-1912) is one of the most respected bird artists whose images were noted for their fine detail. He contributed to some of the best known ornithological works including those of Elliot, Buller, Dresser, and The Ibis. According to Jackson (Bird Illustrators, p. 90) “The great value of Keulemans' work as an ornithological draughtsman lay in his sureness of design of the plate and his accuracy in portraying the birds themselves. The bird figures were carefully drawn and executed down to the last scales on the feet. The feathering was neatly delineated with the different plumes receiving sympathetic treatment.”
Provenance: Owned by Professor William Gardner Hale, top British authority on wading birds