The Bird Man: A Biography of John Gould - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 007126258X ISBN 13: 9780071262583

Synopsis

'Thoroughly absorbing.' The New Yorker'A marvellous account' Sunday TelegraphThis vibrant, fascinating account of Britain's most eminent bird illustrator was first published to wonderful reviews over a decade ago. Beautifully repackaged as a classic biography of one of our most extraordinary Victorians, The Bird Man, by acclaimed writer Isabella Tree, will captivate a new audience. John Gould was a genius and a cad. His volume of work eclipsed his American counter part Audubon in accuracy and artistic value. But John Gould's work was the result of sacrifice and alienation. Through the unacknowledged loyalty and handiwork of his wife, and many other artists, in particular one young fellow called Edward Lear, Gould cemented his reputation as the first gentleman of birds. Isabella Tree's lively biography reveals a story of discovery, ambition and betrayal - touching on some of the greatest wonders of the Victorian era, from the arrival of the first giraffe in London to Gould's crucial role in Darwin's theory of natural selection.

About this title

Review:

"A Comprehensive biography, precisely worded, nicely paced, that sparkles with humour.... a pleasure to read" -- Olin Sewall Pettingill

"Lively, anecdotal, concrete and colourful" -- History Today

"The first full-length biography of John Gould and Tree tells the story well, a readable and well-researched book" -- TLS

'A fresh and rewarding writer' -- Sunday Times

'a marvellous account' -- Sunday Telegraph

'her talent is remarkable' -- The Times

'thoroughly absorbing' -- The New Yorker

'wry, perceptive, intelligent and irreverently funny' -- TLS

From the Publisher:

The classic biography of a great ornithologist now in B format

About this edition

• ISBN 10: 007126258X
• ISBN 13: 9780071262583
• Binding: Hardcover