Lund, Gleerup, 1926-1949-[1954]. Six volumes in six. Large 4to (34.3 x 24.5 cm). Text; 807 plates (146 coloured). Publisher's uniform, limited edition brown half calf, marbled boards, gilt spines.

A magnificent publication with finely coloured plates of each species, with photos showing their habitat and nesting grounds. This is most probably the largest bird book of one area ever published. "The work is intended to give an account of the life history and habits of all the breeding birds in Sweden and Scandinavia, especially during their breeding season, arranged in accordance with the natural interdependence of the species. Under each species the Latin and the Swedish names of the birds are given." (Anker). Nissen calls for 798 (144 colour) plates. The present set contains two extra colour plates (in vol. III) and eight extra plates not listed in Nissen (in vols. I, IV, V). Vol. VI with one plate less than Nissen states, but that is probably an error. All copies coming on the market differ in their number of plates. Only 100 copies were bound in publisher's half calf, hence full sets are rarely found for sale. The sixth volume is dated 1949, but the postscript by the publisher, in the rear, is dated 1954. One volume skilfully rebacked; otherwise, this set is in a fine state. Anker, 427; Nissen IVB, 793.