AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis
Sotheby's of London is holding an auction of the Magnificent Books, Manuscripts and Drawings from the Collection of Frederick, 2nd Lord Hesketh on Dec. 7, 2010. Included in that collection is this extraordinary book of illustrations Birds of America by John James Audubon. This rare book includes 435 hand-colored prints, made from engravings of Audubon's illustrations. It measures more than 3 feet by 2 feet (90 centimeters by 60 centimeters) because Audubon wanted to paint the birds life size. The book of four volumes is estimated to sell for 6 million pounds ($9.25 million) at auction.
Wouldn't you love to get a closer look?
