The three volume first edition of William Yarrell's study of the history of British birds, with the first of two supplement volumes also present. The work of English zoologist, prolific writer, bookseller and naturalist William Yarrell. Yarrell's work features a field guide systematically describing every species of bird known to have occurred in Britain throughout history. Due to the depth of research, Yarrell's series quickly overtook Thomas Bewick's work of the same name to become the standard reference work for a generation of British ornithologists. This is not a history of ornithology in the traditional sense, but rather a handbook (or field guide) describing all known species of birds in Britain at that time. Yarrell's work became a standard reference for British ornithologists, replacing Thomas Bewick's book due to its increased scientific accuracy, while also incorporating details and anecdotes of the newly discovered inland and wading sea birds.. The book continued to evolve through multiple editions, including those dating to 1871-1884. Pages: Vol. I - viii, 646pp, Vol. II - v, [1], 494pp Vol. III - vi, 684pp Condition notes: Three volumes in blue cloth bindings with printed spine labels. General wear to exteriors as shown with some marks/scuffs and slight discolouring. Small pencil note to volume one front pastedown. Hundreds of illustrations throughout the text. Light marginal age toning, otherwise pages are generally clean as shown.