English: Published by subscription and issued in parts between 1840 and 1848, John Gould’s Birds of Australia is one of the most well known and beautifully illustrated ornithological books ever produced. Within its large, folio-sized pages are descriptions of 681 species of birds accompanied by exquisite coloured lithographs.

What is perhaps less well known is that Gould made an earlier attempt at publishing his study of Australian avian species. In 1837-38, Gould published a series of plates illustrating Australasian birds under the title The birds of Australia and the adjacent islands, having been inspired by specimens sent to him in England by his brothers-in-law in New South Wales. Gould, however, decided to proceed himself to Australia to obtain data and the issue of the work was stopped. It is known as Gould’s ‘suppressed plates’, the author having written to subscribers requesting they return their copies.

The Alexander Turnbull Library is fortunate to not only hold a complete set of Gould’s Birds of Australia, but the suppressed plates, too, purchased by our founder and namesake Alexander Turnbull (1868-1918). Among the suppressed illustrations are three New Zealand birds: the boisterous kaka, the spotted shag and our national bird the kiwi.

John Gould, The birds of Australia and the adjacent islands, London: J. Gould, 1837-1838, Alexander Turnbull Library, fRENG GOULD Birds 1837.

– – The birds of Australia, London: published by the author, 1840-1848, Alexander Turnbull Library, fREng GOULD Birds 1848.