ROYAL OCTAVO      The first edition of the Royal Octavo Birds of America is the only miniature edition done under the supervision of Audubon himself.  It is thus more valuable than subsequent editions.  How can you tell if an octavo print (sized at about 6 1/2" x 10" or 10 3/4") is a true first edition?  Here are some identifying factors to consider. Appearance of Author and Publisher Attributions First, notice the lettering, such as "Drawn from Nature by J.J. Audubon", and "Lithographed, Printed & Colored by J.T.Bowen" toward the bottom of the print.  These will appear in block lettering for plates 1 - 150, and plates 186 - 189.  The lettering will be in italics for plates 151 - 186 and 190 - 500. For plates 136 - 150 the lithography is attributed to Endicott, instead of Bowen. Appearance of background The background upon which the image is positioned generally is clear. Later editions will have a tinted lithographic wash background. (This page is under construction)