First published in 1901, American Ornithology for the Home and School was devoted to bringing the fascination of studying birds to teachers and students. Editor Charles K. Reed (1851 – 1921) began his avian-focused career as a taxidermist but later in life developed a greater interest in bird protection and conservation. In 1910, he published an illustrated leaflet of the Passenger Pigeon (Ectopistes migratorius) in a futile attempt to find any living wild specimens.
Mr. Reed described the monthly magazine as “entirely different from anything hitherto published, in that we propose to give the life history of four or five birds each month, the illustrations of the birds being of sufficient size to be of value, and the eggs of each bird illustrated ‘full size.’” Our very nice rare set includes all 12 issues for 1902 beginning with Vol. 2, No. 1. Each approximately 6 x 9 inches with some 20 pages per issue. Numerous drawings and photographs, some in color. Staple bound, self covered.