[Birds]. Frisch, Johann Leonhard. *An Introduction to the Birds of Germany*… Berlin 1733–1763.

- A Major Work on Ornithology –

[Birds]. Frisch, Johann Leonhard. *Vorstellung der Vögel in Teutschland*… Berlin 1733–1763. Published by the author and the author’s son, p. [16] – title pages of individual parts, p. [32] – text with explanations, 147 plates (hand-colored copperplate engravings from the period), 32 cm, period binding, flatback with gilt.

A renowned ornithological work devoted to European and exotic birds, including both common species (goldfinch, bullfinch, sparrow, swallow, woodpecker, hoopoe, cuckoo, magpie, corvids, pigeons), as well as ornamental birds (canaries, parrots, cassowaries, peacocks) and domesticated birds (turkeys, many varieties of chickens, and other domestic fowl). Predators (eagles, falcons) and waterfowl (swans, ducks) are also depicted. Bats were also included among the birds, depicted on three plates. A nest is visible on one plate. The exceptionally beautiful engravings on separate plates mostly feature full-page depictions of a single bird (less often, several specimens on a single plate), with descriptions in German, Latin, and French (the plates with explanations are in German). Particularly noteworthy are the faithful depictions of individual species, as well as the first-rate coloring. The engravings, some of which are signed on the plate, are the work of the author, his sons, and his successors. Johann Leonhard Frisch (1666–1743) was a German Lutheran theologian, teacher, linguist, and naturalist. The scholar gained great fame during his time thanks to his scholarly works in the field of linguistics (including numerous dictionaries), as well as his works on natural history. His multi-volume work on the birds of the German lands, published in Berlin between 1733 and 1763, is among the most important in his body of work. The scholar engraved the plates himself, assisted by his sons, especially Ferdinand Helfrich (1707–1753). Fritsch had been a member of the Royal Prussian Academy of Sciences since 1706, having been admitted on Leibniz’s recommendation. He stuffed the birds himself, used them as models to create sketches, and then produced copperplate engravings. According to available sources, the complete work comprised 256 plates and a frontispiece (the volume offered here contains 16 sheets from individual issues—the complete set). Elegant period binding: front cover with a red title label, 5-panel spine with delicate gilded decoration. Leather corners, stained page edges. Old pen inscriptions (ownership marks, notes, including plate numbering). Scuffs and damage to the binding (minor loss of the title label). Traces of soiling, a few tears in the paper. Otherwise in good condition. Rare, not listed in Polish library catalogs. Beautiful, vibrant coloring!