Cabinet of Natural History, and American Rural Sports

DOUGHTY, John and Thomas. The Cabinet of Natural History, and American Rural Sports with Illustrations. Phila.: J. and T. Doughty, 1830-1832. 1st eds. 2 Vols. 4to. vii, [i], [ii], 298, [2, index]; vii, [1], 292, [2, index] pp. Portrait frontises., engraved title vignettes, illus., 48 hand-colored plates. Period-style 3/4-calf and marbled boards, gilt-lettered red morocco spine labels, gilt rules on spine, T.e.gs. Portrait frontis. in Vol. One professionally restored, else a very good or better set. HOWES D-433. Reese, American Color Plate Books, 12. Bennett, p. 35. McGrath, p. 187. Gee, pp. 48-49. The first major book with colored sporting prints to be issued in the United States. "Artistically, Vol. I is much the most important, for it contains the original plates by Thos. Doughty, famous painter and founding-father of the Hudson River School"--Bennett. The Cabinet was issued in monthly parts and collected in 3 vols. "The publication ceased with Part 4 of Volume 3, and the abbreviated volume is perhaps the most difficult of all American sport items to find"--Bennett. "the colored plates are important--being the first colored sporting prints made in America. . Many of these colored plates of animals and birds are charming, the coloring is soft, correct as to details, and all are well drawn"--Gee.…