Beautiful hand-colored woodcuts of a Merops and a Black Crow from Gesner's "Vogelbuch". Early German edition of the famous encyclopedia. Frankfurt, Saur, 1598. Dimensions: 34,7 x 22,5 cm Conrad Gesner is considered the father of modern scientific bibliography, zoology and botany. He was a Renaissance polymath, physician, philosopher, bibliographer, philologist, natural historian, and illustrator who spent most of his time collecting, researching, and writing. He compiled monumental works on bibliography (Bibliotheca universalis 1545–1549) and zoology (Historia Animalium 1551–1558). These woodcuts were published in so called " Vogelbuch" dedicated to fish and sea animals. Good condition, paper slightly browned and with old creases due to age. Attention for US buyers: Due to recent postal restrictions shipping to the US can only be done by DHL, therefore higher shipping costs apply!