ALDROVANDI, Ulisse (1522-1605) - Ornithologiae hoc est De avibus historiae libri XII. Bologna: Francesco de Franciscis [Iannem Baptistam Bellagambam], 1599.   First edition of the first volume of this renowned treatise on birds containing magnificent full-page illustrations of numerous species, including eagles, owls, ostriches, and woodpeckers. Each chapter describes in great detail not only the biological characteristics of the various subspecies, but also their medicinal uses, the fables and proverbs of which they are protagonists, the hieroglyphs and coins on which they appear and other various topics of considerable interest. Mythological birds, such as harpies, are also included in the treatise. The ornithology books, together with the entomological work, were the only ones to be published while Aldrovandi was still alive.   First volume (of 3), folio (332 x 225mm). Engraved title within an elaborate architecture border, engraved portrait of the author, more than 160 woodcut illustrations, many of which full-page, woodcut initials and devices (lacking the index leaf 4I1 and the final leaf with the register, title reinforced at verso, lightly cropped with restored tears, restorations at ¶6 not touching text, small restoration at V2v touching text and at the corner of 3H6, tear restored at 3Y4, tear at 4I3, browning, spotting, waterstaining to bottom corner). Modern half vellum, gilt title on spine.

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