An early 1932 copy of What Bird Is That? A Guide to the Birds of Australia, written and illustrated by Neville W. Cayley and published by Angus & Robertson Limited, Sydney.

An appealing piece of Australian natural history, featuring Cayley’s detailed colour illustrations of native birds, from parrots and cockatoos to forest birds, waterbirds and seabirds. The illustrated plates are accompanied by descriptions covering identification, distribution, habits, nesting and eggs.

Bound in green cloth with a bird-and-question-mark design to the front cover. The colour plates shown retain lovely detail and colour, making this an interesting addition to a collection of Australian bird books, natural history illustration or early Australian publications.

Complete copy, with all pages and plates present.

Published: 1932

Publisher: Angus & Robertson Limited, Sydney

Author and illustrator: Neville W. Cayley

Binding: Cloth hardcover

Height: approximately 224 mm

Condition:

The cloth covers have rubbing, surface marks and wear to the edges, corners and spine ends. There is foxing, age toning and staining to the pages, particularly the opening and closing leaves. The first colour plate has substantial tears and areas of paper loss, with old tape repairs. The front inner hinge is split, exposing the binding beneath, and there are some additional edge tears.

Despite this wear, the book retains its text and illustrated plates, with many attractive colour illustrations throughout. No dust jacket is included.

Please examine the photographs carefully, including those showing the first plate and binding, as they form part of the description.