I think I have found the perfect solution for that "hard to buy for" birder this xmas. In amongst the usual book listings that I get emailed is a book called "A synopsis of the birds of Australia, and the adjacent islands" with the following description:
Gould, John. London: 1837-1838. Octavo, 73 handcoloured lithographs by Elizabeth Gould. Early half calf titled "birds", lightly patterned cloth, inscription by A. J. Campbell on blank endpaper, typescript title page and contents, the printed and embossed stamp of the Royal Australasian Union on the half title, a handsome copy with the figures beautifully coloured.
For a measly $18500 you can bring xmas joy to one lucky person...
On a serious note, if there is anyone on the list who collects old/rare bird books, I am happy to forward the email to them. Just be aware that the book list seems to start at the $200 mark, with many in the multiple thousand $$$ range.
Cheers
Phil | 