"His ingenuity as an artist was excelled only by his conduct as a man" - Bewick's headstone
 
Thomas Bewick was born in 1753, brought up on a farm but then served many years as an apprentice engraver. After eschewing London he took on the engraving business, initially in partnership, successfully publishing a History of Quadrupeds and a History of British Birds. He became even better known for work on Aesop's Fables and his 'tale-pieces'. He died in 1828.
 
This Pocket Book is beautifully illustrated with wood engravings from across the spectrum of subjects cut by Bewick, but particularly animal life. The text is from his autobiography.