Morris - Nests and Eggs

Following the publication of Morris’ A History of British Birds, Rev. F.O. Morris (1810 - 1893)  again collaborated with Benjamin Fawcett, known for some of the finest color printing of the time, and A. F. Lydon, engraver on this comprehensive publication of eggs and nests and the habitat of British Birds.  These prints from a three-volume set comprised some of the most accurate drawings and information about the British Birds and their habitat ever written.  Each engraving is a Xylographic (woodcut) print with additional hand coloring. Alexander Francis Lydon was one of Fawcett’s principal engravers, contributing much in technique and design. A team of women colorists under very strict scrutiny first from Fawcett then his wife (a former colorist herself) hand colored each plate. The prints are presented on a greenish tan or biscuit color background, which is associated with the earliest printings of these books.