The Talking Bird; or, the Little Girl who knew what was Going to Happen

A very scarce copy of the first edition of this children's book concerning natural science, with illustrations by 'Phiz.' Sisters Elizabeth and Mary Kirby were popular authors of books for children concerning natural science, contributing to the popularisation of science in the nineteenth century. The present volume is a first edition of one of their stories, a very scarce volume to find on the market, held by six institutional libraries only.Featuring illustrations by 'Phiz,' known artist for illustrating works by Charles Dickens, Charles Lever, and Harrison Ainsworth. With four full page plates. Collated, complete.Numerous leaves of publisher's advertisements to the rear. In the original publisher's full cloth binding. Externally sound with some shelf wear and minor bumping to the head and tail of the spine and extremities, with some damp marking to the front board and general light soiling, some minor darkening to the spine. Previous owner's gift inscription to the front free endpaper, dated 1864. Internally, firmly bound. The pages are very clean with only the occasional minor spotting, and a touch of age toning, as usual. With four full page plates. Collated, complete. Good.…