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John James Audubon Collection
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Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]
This is a finding aid. It is a description of archival material held at the Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division. Unless otherwise noted, the materials described below are physically available in their reading room, and not digitally available through the web.
Overview and metadata sections
John James Audubon (1785-1851) was an ornithologist, artist, and naturalist, best known for his drawings and paintings of North American birds. Audubon was born Jean Rabin Fougère in Les Cayes, Santo Domingo (now Haiti), the son of Captain Jean Audubon, a French sea captain, plantation owner, and enslaver, and Jeanne Rabin (or Rabine), a French chambermaid. Later in his childhood he moved to France, and when he was 18, he moved to the United States to manage Mill Grove, his family's farm outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He married Lucy Bakewell, the daughter of a neighboring landowner in 1808. Audubon began to develop an interest in North American birds as he unsuccessfully moved through careers as a mine owner, a shopkeeper, and a businessman. Eventually settling into whatever odd jobs he could obtain, Audubon began seeking a printer in Europe to publish his drawings of American birds. In 1838, Audubon finally published his The Birds of America through publisher Robert Havell of London. From 1839 until his death in 1851, Audubon remained primarily in New York, working on another edition of his book and a new book, Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America, with his sons.
Consists of materials created by and related to John James Audubon (1785-1851) that were collected from various sources. These include original manuscripts and correspondence, photostat copies and transcripts of additional manuscripts and correspondence, printed materials relating to Audubon's life and work, and files pertaining to a 1959 Princeton University Library exhibition titled "The World of John James Audubon." Much of this material was assembled by Dr. Howard C. Rice, Jr., former head of Special Collections at Princeton University Library.
Original Audubon manuscripts include several descriptions used in his Ornithological Biography (Edinburgh: A. Black, 1831-1839); manuscript descriptions to accompany plates 1-7, 10, 13-17, 19, 23, 25, 28, 31-32, 34, 36, 38, 40-41, and 45 in his Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America (New York: J. J. Audubon, 1845-1848); and over 50 letters by Audubon to Lucy Bakewell Audubon (his wife), John Woodhouse and Victor Gifford Audubon (his sons), Robert Havell (the English engraver of Birds of America), and others. In addition, there are original letters by Lucy Bakewell Audubon, John Woodhouse and Victor Gifford Audubon, John and Julia Bachman, members of the Bakewell family, and Francis Herrick. Accompanying an 1834 letter to Robert Havell is also an original proof for "Summer Red Bird" (plate 44) in Birds of America.
More than 30 photostat copies and 6 bound volumes of Howard Corning's transcripts extend the collection's coverage of Audubon's correspondence. Corning's transcripts also cover Audubon's journals from 1820-1821 and 1840-1843. Subject files of printed materials include clippings, pamphlets, catalogs, and related correspondence pertaining to exhibitions about Audubon, his life in Florida, Robert Havell, portraits by and of Audubon, and Mill Grove, Audubon's Pennsylvania estate. Material related to Princeton's 1959 comprehensive Audubon exhibition includes related correspondence, publicity, and research files.
The following sources were consulted during preparation of biographical note: Encyclopedia Britannica Online.
Publications: Audubon's Ornithological Biography (Edinburgh: A. Black, 1831-1839) and Viviparous Quadrapeds of North America (New York: J. J. Audubon, 1845-1848); Letters of John James Audbon, edited by Howard Corning (1930).
This collection was formed as a result of a departmental practice of combining into one collection material of various accessions relating to a particular person, family, or subject. Materials were acquired from various gifts and purchases.
For preservation reasons, original analog and digital media may not be read or played back in the reading room. Users may visually inspect physical media but may not remove it from its enclosure. All analog audiovisual media must be digitized to preservation-quality standards prior to use. Audiovisual digitization requests are processed by an approved third-party vendor. Please note, the transfer time required can be as little as several weeks to as long as several months and there may be financial costs associated with the process. Requests should be directed through the Ask Us Form.
Original processing information unknown. Biography written by Alyxandra Cullen, '09. The finding aid was revised by Kelly Bolding in 2020.
No appraisal information is available.
People
- Audubon, John-James, 1785-1851
- Audubon, Lucy Green Bakewell, 1787-1874
- Rice, Howard C. (Howard Crosby), 1904-1980
Subject
- Mammals -- United States -- 19th century
- Ornithology -- United States -- 19th century
- Artists -- United States -- 19th century
Occupation
- Publisher
- Manuscripts Division
- Finding Aid Date
- 1999
- Access Restrictions
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Collection is open for research use.
- Use Restrictions
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Single copies may be made for research purposes. To cite or publish quotations that fall within Fair Use, as defined under U. S. Copyright Law, no permission is required. For instances beyond Fair Use, it is the responsibility of the researcher to determine whether any permissions related to copyright, privacy, publicity, or any other rights are necessary for their intended use of the Library's materials, and to obtain all required permissions from any existing rights holders, if they have not already done so. Princeton University Library's Special Collections does not charge any permission or use fees for the publication of images of materials from our collections, nor does it require researchers to obtain its permission for said use. The department does request that its collections be properly cited and images credited. More detailed information can be found on the Copyright, Credit and Citations Guidelines page on our website. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us through the Ask Us! form.
Collection Inventory
Consists of original manuscript descriptions of "Great Cormorant," "Glossy Ibis," and "Purple Gallinule," as well as photostat copies and transcripts of other descriptions used in "Ornithological Biography," Vol. III and IV. There are also some notes and descriptions from Princeton University Library's 1959 exhibition on Audubon.
Physical Description2 boxes
Includes original, along with photostat copy and transcript.
Physical Description1 folder
Includes photostat copy and transcript. Original in possession of Mrs. Wharton Sinkler, 631 East Garvers Lane, Philadelphia.
Physical Description1 folder
Original in possession of National Audubon Society, New York.
Physical Description1 folder
Original in possession of National Audubon Society, New York.
Physical Description1 folder
Original in possession of National Audubon Society, New York.
Physical Description1 folder
1 folder
Includes original, along with photostat copy and transcript.
Physical Description1 folder
These descriptive notes by John James Audubon, in his hand, were used by John Bachman in preparing the text for the Quadrupeds, first printed in three volumes (1846, 1851, 1854), to accompany the large folio plates (issued in three volumes 1845-1848; 150 plates in all). Comparison of these manuscripts with the printed text shows that Bachman edited the material supplied by Audubon, incorporating most of it in the final version, but with additions, omissions and other modifications. There are marginal notes by Victor G. Audubon and Bachman. There are also some notes and descriptions from Princeton University Library's 1959 exhibition on Audubon.
Physical Description1 box
Includes:
(1) "Common American Wild Cat" : Plate 1 (text), I, 2-15.
(2) "Wood-Chuck" : Plate 2 (text), I, 16-24.
(3) "Townsend's Rocky Mountain Hare" : Plate 3, I, 25-30.
(4) "Florida Rat" : Plate 4, I, 32-37.
(5) "Richardson's Columbian Squirrel" : Plate 5, I, 41-43.
(6) "American Cross Fox" : Plate 6, I, 45-54.
Physical Description1 folder
Includes:
(1) "Carolina Grey Squirrel" : Plate 7, I, 55-63.
(2) "Common American Shrew Mole" : Plate 10, I, 81-92.
Physical Description1 folder
Includes:
(1) "Musk-Rat" : Plate 13, I, 108-124.
(2) "Hudson's Bay Squirrel" : Plate 14, I, 125-131.
(3) "Oregon Flying Squirrel" : Plate 15, I, 132-135.
Physical Description1 folder
(1) "Canada Lynx" : Plate 16, I, 136-144.
(2) "Cat Squirrel" : Plate 17, I, 145-150.
(3) "Soft-Haired Squirrel" : Plate 19 (text), I, 157-158.
Physical Description1 folder
Includes:
(1) "Mink" (fragment only) : Plate 23 (text), I, 250-260.
(2) "Common Flying Squirrel" : Plate 28 (text), I, 216-222.
(3) "Collared Peccany" : Plate 31, I, 233-241.
(4) "Polar Hare" : Plate 32, I, 242-249.
(5) "Black Squirrel" : Plate 34, I, 261-264.
(6) "Canada Porcupine" : Plate 36, I, 277-286.
(7) "Red-bellied Squirrel" : Plate 38, I, 292-293.
(8) [American] "White-footed Mouse" : Plate 40, I, 300-306.
(9) "Pennant's Marten" : Plate 41, I, 307-315.
(10) "Wilson's Meadow Mouse" : Plate 45, I, 341-346.
Physical Description1 folder
Includes:
"Donny Squirrel" : Plate 25 (text), I, 199-201.
Physical Description1 folder
Consists of correspondence of John James Audubon, Lucy Bakewell Audubon, and others, including original letters as well as photostat copies and typed transcripts.
This series is arranged into five groupings: Letters Relating to Lucy Bakewell Audubon; John James Audubon Letters (Originals), Letters of Others (Originals), John James Audubon Letters (Photostat Copies), and Letters of Others (Photostat Copies).
Physical Description3 boxes
Consists of correspondence from Lucy Bakewell Audubon, who was married to John James Audubon, and family members, primarily to Miss Gifford. There is also some later material created by Dr. Howard C. Rice, Jr., in relation to his article about Lucy Bakewell Audubon in the Princeton University Library Chronicle.
Arranged chronologically.
Physical Description1 box
Includes inventories of Princeton's Lucy Bakewell Audubon letters.
Physical Description1 folder
7 letters. Originals. Postscript: New Orleans, 11 April 1821, by J. J. Audubon on Lucy's letter of 1 April, 1821.
Physical Description1 folder
7 letters. Photostats and transcripts of B1 F10.
Physical Description1 folder
Description of Audubon Material in the Collection of H. J. Lutcher Stark, Orange, Texas.
Physical Description1 folder
Photostat of B2 F1 - also see note for B1 F14.
Physical Description1 folder
Enclosing the above letter from John James Audubon 1805 May 20. Original letter of William Bakewell not acquired by Princeton. Original Audubon letter in B2 F1.
Physical Description1 folder
2 Letters. Originals. Dated 1831 April 4 and 1831 August 14 (mentioning her sister Mrs. Audubon); also: Miss M. A. Coltman to Mrs. Gifford 1838 (mention of letter from Mrs. Audubon).
Physical Description1 folder
28 letters. Originals.
Physical Description1 folder
3 letters. Originals, with transcripts.
Physical Description1 folder
Photostats and transcripts of B1 F16.
Physical Description1 folder
Typewritten transcripts only. Originals in possession of Phillips descendants in England.
Physical Description1 folder
Photostats of B1 F15.
Physical Description1 folder
Consists primarily of letters from John James Audubon to Lucy Bakewell Audubon, with additional letters to Robert Havell, Victor Audubon, and Thomas McCulloch. Many originals are accompanied by photostat copies, transcripts, and materials related to acquisitions and provenance.
Arranged chronologically.
Physical Description2 boxes
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
Original. Oversize.
Physical Description1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
Original. Oversize.
Physical Description1 folder
Original. Oversize.
Physical Description1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
Signature is cut off.
Physical Description1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
With postscript by John J. Audubon.
Physical Description1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
With Postscript by John J. Audubon.
Physical Description1 folder
Original. Oversize.
Physical Description1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
Consists of letters from Lucy Audubon, Victor Audubon, and John and Julia Bachman.
Arranged alphabetically by correspondent.
Physical Description1 box
1 folder
2 pages, with printed card of Victor G. Audubon (son).
Physical Description1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
3 letters.
Physical Description1 folder
Consists of photostat copies and transcripts of letters from John James Audubon, primarily to Victor Audubon.
Arranged chronologically.
Physical Description2 boxes
Photocopy of B2 F2. Original acquired by PUL in 1965.
Physical Description1 folder
Original in the collection of Seymour Adelman, Philadelphia.
Physical Description1 folder
Copies of 2 letters. Originals in the Archives Nationales, Paris.
Physical Description1 folder
Oversize. Photocopy of B6 F6.
Physical Description1 folder
Photocopy of B2 F12. Original acquired by PUL in 1965.
Physical Description1 folder
Photocopy of B2 F25. Original acquired by PUL in 1965.
Physical Description1 folder
Photocopy of B2 F28. Original acquired by PUL in 1965.
Physical Description1 folder
Photocopy of B2 F30. Original acquired by PUL in 1965.
Physical Description1 folder
Photocopy of B2 F32.
Physical Description1 folder
Photocopy of B2 F33. Original acquired by PUL in 1965.
Physical Description1 folder
Original in the possession of Mr. Robert L. Walsh, Jr., 3424 Prospect St. NW, Washington, D.C.
Physical Description1 folder
Photocopy of B2 F40. Original acquired by PUL in 1965.
Physical Description1 folder
Photocopy of B2 F43. Original acquired by PUL in 1965.
Physical Description1 folder
Original in National Audubon Society, New York.
Physical Description1 folder
Incomplete. Original in National Audubon Society, NY.
Physical Description1 folder
Original in National Audubon Society, NY.
Physical Description1 folder
Original in National Audubon Society, NY.
Physical Description1 folder
Original in National Audubon Society, NY.
Physical Description1 folder
Original in National Audubon Society, NY.
Physical Description1 folder
Original in National Audubon Society, NY.
Physical Description1 folder
Original in National Audubon Society, NY.
Physical Description1 folder
Original in National Audubon Society, NY.
Physical Description1 folder
Original in National Audubon Society, NY.
Physical Description1 folder
Original in National Audubon Society, NY.
Physical Description1 folder
Original in National Audubon Society, NY.
Physical Description1 folder
Original in National Audubon Society, NY.
Physical Description1 folder
Original in National Audubon Society, NY.
Physical Description1 folder
Consists of photostat copies of letters primarily from Victor Audubon and John Bachman.
Physical Description1 box
Photocopy of B2 F55. Original acquired by PUL in 1965.
Physical Description1 folder
Photocopy of B2 F56. Original acquired by PUL in 1965.
Physical Description1 folder
Originals in Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.
Physical Description1 folder
Photocopy of B2 F57. Original acquired by PUL in 1965.
Physical Description1 folder
Transcripts of originals in Gilbert Collection, College of Physicians, Philadelphia.
Physical Description1 folder
3 letters regarding Audubon's Quadrupeds. Photocopies of B2 F59. Original acquired by PUL in 1965.
Physical Description1 folder
Original in National Audubon Society, NY.
Physical Description1 folder
Originals in Vodges Collection, Science Libr. Natural Hist. Museum, Balboa Pk., San Diego, California.]
Physical Description1 folder
Consists of six bound volumes containing typed transcripts of Audubon's letters and journals, edited by Howard Corning for three books published by The Club of Odd Volumes: Letters of John James Audubon, 1826-1840 (1930), Journal of John James Audubon Made During his Trip to New Orleans in 1820-1821 (1929), and Journal of John James Audubon made while obtaining subscriptions to his "Birds of America" 1840-1843 (1929). These volumes also include transcripts of letters from Lucy Audubon and V. G. Audubon, printed materials, notes on editorial policy, and other items that are not in Corning's printed volumes.
Physical Description6 Volumes
1 volume
1 volume
1 volume
Includes Audubon letters (1841-1845), as well as later letters to John Bachman and some printed materials.
Physical Description1 volume
1 volume
1 volume
Consists of miscellaneous printed material such as pamphlets, brochures, exhibition and dealer catalogues, and clippings about John James Audubon, as well as correspondence and subject files on related topics. Much of this material was gathered by Dr. Howard C. Rice, Jr., of Princeton University Library and relates to his research on Audubon and the whereabouts of his prints, manuscripts, and paintings.
Physical Description1 box
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
Consists of correspondence, catalogues, publicity, research notes, and a card index related to Princeton University Library's 1959 exhibition on "The World of John James Audubon." Many of these materials were created or assembled by Dr. Howard C. Rice, Jr.
Physical Description2 boxes
Also includes a catalogue, notes, clippings, and poster.
Physical Description1 folder
1 folder
Includes: Sylvia Beach, Geo. Dock, Jr.
Physical Description1 folder
Includes: Alice Ford, W. H. Fries, Harvard.
Physical Description1 folder
Includes: McCormick, H. Bradley Martin, National Audubon Society-NY, New Jersey Audubon Society, Harry Shaw Newman-old printshop, J. d'Arcy Northwood-curator, Audubon Shrine.
Physical Description1 folder
Includes: Benj. Page, Jr., Darthea Speyer (USIS, Paris), Stout, J. S. Williams.
Physical Description1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
N.J. paper money cf. no. 44.
Physical Description1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
Consists of a card index, with a note inside that reads: "Based on the List of Plates, comprising the Original Issue of Audubon's 'The Birds of America,' With Notes showing where and when the original drawings were made," in S.C. Arthur, Audubon, 1937, Appendix E., p. 500 ff. Arthur's dating of the drawings is based chiefly on the annotations to be found on the originals, now in N.Y. Historical Society. Present card index compiled by Mrs. Julian P. Boyd, 1959. It was used as a basis for grouping Audubon bird plates according to place & date of the drawing, rather than by date of publication. Audubon exhibition, 1959. H. C. Rice"
Physical Description1 box