Hi Justin,
The first editions of "Observations" are very hard to come by, no doubt due to the fact that only 150 copies were published. It was also published (as you allude to) with a paper cover, which probably also contributed to its rarity as no doubt a few copies fell apart.
I was lucky enough to pick up a very reasonably priced first edition that was advertised here on Nafex, but they don't come up often. There is one currently for sale on Abebooks and it is being offered at just over $600 (plus postage).
According to Swift's "Bibliotheca" the second edition was published in 1971, in hardcover, but was again a limited print run.
You'll either need to dig deep to buy a first edition or be content with one of the later editions that can be picked up for a very reasonable price.
All the best,
Alex
Originally Posted by
jmnucci
After re-reading OMF I think it would be a great book to have a 1st edition of. From what I could find the first addition was actually a pamphlet. So I guess a better question would be what is the 1st hard bound addition of this book? I know their are some falconry aficienados out there who have one. I'm sure these are pricey, any gander at a value?
Only 7 weeks to hawking season.
Thanks.
Alex Stokes
Alberta, Canada