Audubon's "The Birds of America" for $10,000,000

I've read about this bookset before. I had no idea it was worth so much:

http://news.yahoo.com …a-sold-nyc-161450243.html

Damn. I just got a copy of that book for Christmas, actually; it's a gorgeous collection of images.

Part of its rarity is the original volumes were portfolios that were often cut out and mounted into frames. Prints (pages) show up on the antique roadshow all the time. A mostly complete and fairly rough one came in and they gave it an enormous valuation, but my memory escapes me.

gonzogolf wrote in post #13646326
Part of its rarity is the original volumes were portfolios that were often cut out and mounted into frames. Prints (pages) show up on the antique roadshow all the time. A mostly complete and fairly rough one came in and they gave it an enormous valuation, but my memory escapes me.

You're right, that's where I saw that darn bookset. Absolutely huge pages. I'd forgotten how much the price was, but I had no idea it was that high. Maybe I'll be able to afford a single page in a frame

Just get the reprint; it really is a worthwhile art book to have on hand. Plus, you can exercise by lifting the damned thing

it's a beautiful book. very collectible.

Our library at ZSL has a 1937 copy in our strongroom, and the plates are stunning. I have to photograph these plates which is a bit of a privilege.

Jahled wrote in post #13651748
Our library at ZSL has a 1937 copy in our strongroom, and the plates are stunning. I have to photograph these plates which is a bit of a privilege.

Any idea how much it's worth? The original edition was printed in the 1830's...

Good lord, i've just noticed we have another copy dated 1839 I had completely forgotten about! Have a look for yourself, it's on our online catalogue. It's not it's the same version as the one that's just just gone at auction; I remember my boss telling me the last time this version of the Birds of America went at auction and I expressed my shock. Seems to be on sale around £100,000.

Jahled wrote in post #13657062
Good lord, i've just noticed we have another copy dated 1839 I had completely forgotten about! Have a look for yourself, it's on our online catalogue. It's not it's the same version as the one that's just just gone at auction; I remember my boss telling me the last time this version of the Birds of America went at auction and I expressed my shock. Seems to be on sale around £100,000.

I think it was printed in different sizes. The large folio version is the one that was so expensive and thus rare, but they still all carry a hefty value.

Lots of bird people out there who have big bucks.