Signed (Vol 1.)
Three Volumes
First Editions
Bird of Massachusetts and Other New England States
Edward Howe Forbush (signed) (see photo)
Good condition (see photos)
No writing other than the author's inscription
A comprehensive and authoritative ornithological reference covering the birds of Massachusetts and the broader New England region. This classic three-volume set provides detailed species accounts, including plumage descriptions, distribution, habits, breeding behavior, migration patterns, and historical records.The set is extensively illustrated with 93 full-page color plates (primarily by Louis Agassiz Fuertes, with contributions by Allan Brooks), approximately 48 black-and-white photographic plates, and numerous text figures, maps, and line drawings.
Widely regarded as one of the finest state bird books of the early 20th century, it remains a cornerstone reference for New England ornithology and natural history.
Volume I (Water Birds, Marsh Birds, and Shore Birds) pp. 481
33 color plates
16 black & white photographic plates
Numerous text cuts/figures + maps.
Volume II (Land Birds from Bob-whites to Grackles) pp. 461
29 color plates
16 black & white photographic plates
Numerous text cuts/figures + maps.
Volume III (Land Birds from Sparrows to Thrushes) pp. 466
31 color plates
15 black & white photographic plates (some listings note slight variation here)
Numerous text cuts/figures + maps.
Dimensions: 3 Volumes 10" x 7 1/2" x 2" each
Signature:
This is a very appealing inscribed copy. The inscription reads:
"To Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Holman
in memory of pleasant days
together; with the compliments
and kind regards
of E. H. Forbush
Jan. 7. 1926."
Timing: Dated January 7, 1926 — very early, just after Volume I was published in 1925. Forbush (who died in 1929) signed relatively few copies of his major work, especially with such a warm, personal note.
Personal content: References shared "pleasant days together," making it an association copy rather than a generic signature. Ralph Holman was a known Massachusetts bird observer who contributed notes to Forbush’s earlier writings (e.g., on grebes and other species), so there’s a genuine connection between author and recipient.
Here are the known citations of Ralph Holman in Birds of Massachusetts and Other New England States (primarily Volume II):
Volume II (Land Birds):
A specific reference to observations by "Mr. Ralph Holman at Worcester" in August, September, and October (likely in a species account discussing records or occurrences in that area).
Another mention describes an observation by Ralph Holman while hunting in the woods (his attention drawn to a bird). This is in a relevant land-bird species account.
Mentions in Volume I (water/marsh/shore birds) are more general, drawing on his field notes for grebes and similar species (consistent with his contributions to Forbush’s 1912 book), typically in the early species accounts for those groups.