Kobenhavn [Copenhagen], Hos E. Munksgaard, 1951-1968. Two parts in two. 8vo (27.9 x 17.6 and 25.0 x 17.0 cm). 553 pp. (227; 326); 57 (31; 26) (groups of) figures; one large, multi-folded table. Original printed wrappers.

An important contribution to the ornithology of a little-known region. Written by the Danish medical doctor and ornithologist Axel Marius Hemmingsen (1900-1978). The second part co-authored by another Danish ornithologist and parasitologist Johan Adam Guildal (1921-1986). "Hemmingsen ... was marooned in Peking and nearby northeastern China during the Japanese invasion. He maintained his sanity by carrying out painstakingly exhaustive ornithological studies, particularly in the area of Pai-Tai-Ho beach, now known as Beidaihe and an important site of ornithological tourism, in large part because of his efforts. The manuscript was finished in 1951 but funds were available only for publication of the 'General Part' in which he used his results to draw interesting general conclusions about the relationship of many variables (e. g., ambient temperatures, sizes of various species) on migration. During the ensuing 17 years, Guildal edited and helped prune the ' Special Part which contains extensive individual accounts for every species reported for the northeastern part of China, most, but not all of which, were studied by Hemmingsen" (Soffer). Includes a rare, single, printed leaf with Supplementary Additions and Corrections to Part I, and a very rare 6 pp. Foreword Specially Written for this Hong-Kong-Bound Volume, which, however, this is not (still being in original wrappers). It contains two additional migration maps, as well as additional addenda and errata, all compiled and written by the American missionary serving in Northeast China, Hugh Wells Hubbard (1887-1975). The main parts were published as Spolia Zoologica Musei Hauniensis 11 and 28. The first volume is uncut, as published; the second has the edges cut, also as published. Inscription to a colleague (Schmidt or Schmidl?) by Hemmingsen on the front wrapper of the first volume. A very good set. Very uncommon, if not rare in a complete state, such as this set. Soffer, R. L. (2007) The Richard L. Soffer Ornithology Collection [ at Amherst College].