Wilson's Poems 1790 (Father of American Ornithology)

WILSON, ALEXANDER. Poems by Alexander Wilson. Printed by J. Neilson for the Author. 1790. Paisley [Scotland]

1st edition. (22.5 x 15cm) pp. viii, 300. Uncut copy, b/w engraved frontispiece, errors in pagination pp. 300 [I.E] 302, pp 157-158 repeated. Full tan morocco gilt extra by by Riviere, backstrip in six with gilt tooling to compartments, titled, place of publication and dated direct, raised bands, ornate inner dentelles, deep turquoise end papers, t.e.g. Slightly faded backstrip, with small loss of gilt to gilt leafs of floral design in top compartment, slight foxing.

Wilson who become well known as an American Ornithologist was born in Paisley (originally worked as a weaver), fled to America to escape a charge of sedition, taken to court for criticising his employer Mill owner  William Sharp. While in the United States he dedicated his life to American Ornithology, publishing American Ornithology; or The Natural History of the Birds of the United States 1808. Widely considered the Father of American Ornithology.