A synopsis of the birds of Australia, and the adjacent islands.

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There are two variants of the Synopsis. The first issue is usually found in four parts in printed boards with a narrow cloth spine. A title page was never issued. By the 1850's, the precise date is uncertain, Gould started to sell copies of the Synopsis bound in a characteristic half green morocco with a title page.

The Synopsis is a very attractive and interesting book, quite unlike all Gould's other illustrated work. The birds figured are head studies only but the standard of illustration and colouring is exquisite. It is also scientifically important with many first and early description of Australian birds.

Ferguson 2271; Fine bird books (reprint) p. 101; Nissen IVB 382; Sauer 5; Wood p. 364; Zimmer p. 254.