Lot 1311

Latham - Horned Screamer. 74

Previous image preload Next image preload

Latham - Horned Screamer. 74

Estimate: $150 - $300

Starting Bid: $50

(0 Bids)

by Trillium Antique Prints & Rare Books
June 27, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
115 Hampsted Lane
Franklin, TN, US 37069

This fine bird engraving is from John Latham’s inaugural work, the first edition of A General Synopsis of Birds. The work was published in London for B. White, Leigh, and Sotheby between 1781 and 1787.

A General Synopsis of Birds was an exceedingly rare work with only 500 sets of the first edition ever published. It was the most comprehensive ornithological publication of the time including about 3000 species. More than 200 Australian & New Zealand birds were described, often for the first time in this work.

John Latham (1740-1837) was an English ornithologist. He was a founding member of the Linnean Society and considered the “grandfather of Australian Ornithology,” Latham expanded the knowledge of Australian birds overseas. Denominating quite a few varieties of birds, Latham is credited for the naming of the Emu, the Australian Magpie, the Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo, and others. Latham was also the first to describe the Hyacinth Macaw.

Provenance: 20th-century pictorial bookplate of M. H. Cockell and bookseller's ticket (G. A. Poynder of Reading); Bookplate and ownership inscription (dated 1915) of J. H. Gurney (British ornithologist John Henry Gurney Jr. (1848-1922))

  • Dimensions: ~ 9 3/4" by 8 1/4"
  • Literature: A General Synopsis of Birds
  • Medium: Originally Hand-colored Engraving
  • Circa: 1781-1787
  • Condition: The work is in good to excellent condition. There may be some faint toning or offset with this work. There may be a few minor imperfections or faint fox marks to be expected with age. Please review the image carefully for condition and contact us with any questions.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipping is handled within 1 business days of completed payment. If you have specific shipping requests or address changes, please contact us before completing payment so we are aware and can adjust the invoice if necessary. Shipping is billed directly after the sale. We typically ship via USPS, FedEx, or UPS on domestic shipments and with USPS, FedEx Connect, or UPS for international shipments. We calculate based on the total package weight and destination. All shipments are insured, though to provide this some services may be required when shipping outside of the United States. We're glad to provide quotes and options of services.

The buyer is responsible for paying the customs fees, duties, import taxes, and any related charges. Customs can cause delays in arrival of your shipment, which the seller has no control over. Please consider these charges and delays when making your purchase. If you need specific wording for customs, please also contact before payment as each country has different rules and we will try to accommodate when possible.

Trillium Antique Prints & Rare Books

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 15% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $5
$100 $299 $10
$300 $699 $25
$700 + $50