A Field Guide to the Birds by Roger Tory Peterson Value Guide

The 1947 second revised and enlarged edition of Roger Tory Peterson's A Field Guide to the Birds represents a pivotal moment in ornithological history. This specific edition refined the revolutionary 'Peterson Identification System,' which shifted the focus from anatomical details to visual field marks accessible to the everyday enthusiast.

What Is A Field Guide to the Birds by Roger Tory Peterson Worth?

The typical price range for A Field Guide to the Birds by Roger Tory Peterson is $25 - $50 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The presence and condition of the original dust jacket significantly impacts the $25-$50 price range.
• Overall structural integrity, including the state of the cloth binding and any foxing or yellowing of the paper pages.
• Provenance or previous ownership marks, such as signatures from notable birders or clean, unmarked margins.
• Completeness of the enlarged content, ensuring all plates and revised identification keys are intact.

How to Identify A Field Guide to the Birds by Roger Tory Peterson?

• Verify the 1947 publication date on the title page to confirm it is the second revised and enlarged edition.
• Check for the signature cloth binding and the specific layout of visual pattern illustrations unique to this era.
• Look for the 'Houghton Mifflin Company' imprint, the original publisher of this United States edition.
• Ensure the presence of the 'Field Guide' series branding which was becoming standardized during this period.

History of A Field Guide to the Birds by Roger Tory Peterson

Roger Tory Peterson's 'A Field Guide to the Birds' revolutionized birdwatching by introducing a system that focused on visual patterns and key field marks rather than detailed anatomical descriptions. First published in 1934, it became an instant classic, making bird identification accessible to a wide audience and sparking a surge in interest in ornithology. The book's enduring legacy lies in its practical approach, which empowered generations of bird enthusiasts to identify species in their natural habitats. This second revised and enlarged edition continued to refine Peterson's innovative methods, further solidifying its status as an indispensable resource for both amateur and professional birders.