Miscellaneous manuscripts, 1809-1946. 1820-1840, 1862-1863 (bulk) | WorldCat.org (original) (raw)

Summary:These manuscripts span the years 1807 to 1946 and are comprised of correspondence of the artist, his wife and descendants, and others; a subscription book for the double elephant folio and octavo editions of Birds of America, 1826-ca. 1845; and other miscellaneous papers. The correspondence is divided between John James Audubon and his wife, Lucy Bakewell Audubon. Topics covered in the artist's correspondence, 1807-1841, includes the collection of specimens, the engraving and publication of his work, descriptions of birds, and financial matters. The bulk of Lucy Bakewell Audubon's letters are dated 1862-1863 and deal with the sale of the original watercolors of the Birds of America to the New-York Historical Society; a few personal letters to her granddaughter are included. The remaining letters are family correspondence and assorted letters about Audubon and his work