Marc Catesby, Natural History of Carolina, Florida and the Bahama Islands, London, 1731-1743, Est. $400/600,00. Pictured: The Largest White-Bill Woodpecker, one of 220 hand-colored etched plates. © Sotheby's Images

NEW YORK.- On October 5, 2007 Sotheby’s will have the privilege of offering for sale The Brooks McCormick Collection of Ornithology. Comprising both books and prints focused the history of ornithology, the collection boasts works by legendary names such as John James Audubon, Mark Catesby, François Levaillant, F. N. Martinet and Charles Darwin, among others. The collection was assembled over several decades by the late Chicago businessman and renowned philanthropist, Brooks McCormick. Known for his commitment to conservation in particular, the proceeds from the sale of his collection will benefit The International Crane Foundation, of which Mr. McCormick was an avid supporter, and which is dedicated to sustaining the natural habitats of all crane species around the globe. Prior to the auction in October, highlights from the collection will be on view at Sotheby’s Chicago from September 20-21, 2007 in New York from September 29-October 4, 2007. The entire offering of 99 lots is highlighted by Marc Catesby's superb “Natural History of Carolina, Florida and the Bahama Islands,” London, 1731-1743, which is estimated to sell for $400/600,000. (lire la suite http://www.artdaily.com/section/news/index.asp?int_sec=2&int_new=21675)