's-Gravenhage, W. P. van Stockum & Zoon, 1955. Oblong 4to (23.6 x 29.3 cm). 387 pp.; 80 full colour plates after fine water-colours by Johan Lentinck. Also including 500 text figures. Original blue cloth with gilt title on spine and front board.

A well-illustrated and much sought-after work on Dutch pigeon breeds, by the Dutch Cornelis Adrianus Marie Spruijt (1889-1955), the 'Pigeon King of Gouda' (see Vente). The watercolours and reproductions of Johan Lentink are of very a high standard. This is the rarest and finest of Spruijt's titles on pigeons. The title page is date 1955, but on its verso is a statement, "Uitgegeven in 1954". Probably "1955" is a last minute correction. An extremely well-preserved copy. Vente, (2003) De duivenkoning van Gouda. Tidinge van die Goude pp. 16-18.