Gould, John (1804-1881) was arguably the greatest and certainly the most prolific publisher and original author of ornithological works in the world. He was born in 1804, Dorsetshire, England, and went on during his 76 year life span to be acknowledged around the world as 'The Bird Man'. From 1830 to 1881 John Gould produced in excess of 46 magnificently illustrated volumes to Imperial size (22" x 16" or 559mm x 406mm) on the birds of the world and the mammals of Australia (3 vols). Throughout these volumes there are described many new species and races of birds and animals unknown to science at the time.

Together with those of John James Audubon the ornithological works of John Gould are the best known and amongst the most sought after books to appear in the Sales Rooms of Auction Houses and Antiquarian Booksellers anywhere in the world. At auction, original Goulds can fetch anything from £20,000 - £60,000 per volume depending on title and condition. John Gould prints continue to be much sought after.  Commencing in 1987, the Hill House B.M (N.H) volumes are the only authentic facsimiles of Gould's work. They are taken from the brilliantly coloured original copies held in the libraries of the Natural History Museum in London and at Tring.