LSU Libraries is proud to announce a landmark addition to Special Collections: the acquisition of a rare first edition of The Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America by John James Audubon. The three-volume set complements LSU’s celebrated double-elephant folio edition of Audubon’s The Birds of America, long regarded as one of the finest ornithological works ever produced, and one of the most valuable works of any subject ever printed.

Published between 1845 and 1848, Quadrupeds includes 150 large folio lithographs, measuring roughly 22 by 28 inches, each hand-printed and hand-colored by Philadelphia lithographer J.T. Bowen. This was a shift from Birds of America, which was engraved in a more laborious process by Robert Havell, Jr. in London, England between 1827 and 1838.

The cataloging and preservation of this new acquisition is underway. Patrons interested in seeing these exciting new works will be able to do so at the Libraries’ annual Audubon Day, on April 25, 2026, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. In addition to the four volumes of Birds of America, we’ll also feature one volume at a time of Audubon’s Quadrupeds. 

The event is free, but a timed reservation is required to view the folios. For more information and to register, visit lib.lsu.edu/special/audubon.