Handsome and complete set of 4 series in the original publisher's Arts Nouveau inspired covers. Illustrated with 160 colour plates (40 per Vol) by Thorburn, Kearton; more like finished paintings than prints. Several black and white in-text drawings. Illustrated capital letter to each chapter head. The set include some rarer species such as the Redstart, Capercaillie, Pipit, Dunlin etc. Also for each bird at the end of the section is a further drawing as an end-piece, hence each bird has three types of illustration. The fourth volume contains a section entitled "Eggs and Egg-Collecting" by R. Kearton, plus Classified and General Indices to all four volumes. Published by Cassell and Company Limited, London, 1903. Original dark blue cloth, lettered and decorated turquoise and gilt in an art nouveau style. Book Dimensions: 20 x 14 and Number of Pages: 160, 160, 160, 160 + 16 pages of Classified Index and General Index Condition The books are beautifully bound, designed and illustrated. Firm and well-bound copies. External covers are in nice shape, with light wear to boards’ corners, and to head and tail of spines. Internally; the books in very good condition. A name with neat ink on top first front free endpaper pages of all books. Pages are very clean. Inner hinges are good, and pages are tightly held at gutters. These books have clearly been much loved. And could be also a valuable addition to a bird lovers' (Please see pictures).