This striking 19th-century chromolithographic picture book showcases the golden age of ornithological illustration through the lens of one of America’s most innovative children’s publishers. McLoughlin Bros., renowned for their vibrant color printing techniques, presents a gallery of majestic avian species—from soaring eagles and stately herons to tropical parrots and snow-white swans—each rendered with scientific detail and artistic flourish.
The large-format volume (typical of McLoughlin’s premium offerings) features full-page plates bursting with rich hues, capturing feathers in iridescent blues, fiery reds, and earthy browns. The illustrations reflect both the era’s fascination with natural history and the growing trend of visual education for young readers. Brief descriptive text accompanies each bird, blending factual tidbits with poetic charm.
A treasure of Victorian-era publishing, Large Birds exemplifies the transition from stern scientific texts to accessible, visually dazzling nature books for families. Today, it’s prized by collectors of antique juvenilia, ornithological art, and 19th-century color printing.
