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Colour lithograph of a flying opossum

Terra Australis

The Mammals of Australia

John Gould

1845


The ornithologist John Gould (c1804-81) travelled to Australia with his wife and family in 1838, intent on studying the local bird species for his projected Birds of Australia.

During his 18 month stay, he also became interested in the local fauna and subsequently self-published this three-volume work on Australian mammals upon his return to London.

Gould’s wife, Elizabeth, who had produced the majority of drawings and lithographs for his earlier publications, died in 1841. Work on Mammals was carried out by the artist Henry Richter, who would go on to produce over 1,000 lithographs for Gould’s later works.