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"Birds of America" by John James Audubon
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'Birds of America' by John James Audubon is a magnificent work in four volumes, and is the most celebrated work of American ornithology. It contains life-sized paintings of hundreds of American birds in their natural habitat. It was first published in parts, between 1827 and 1838.
One volume of 'Birds of America'
The volumes are very large - double elephant folio - which measures approximately 100cm by 66cm (39 inches by 26 inches). This set of books is regarded as one the finest pictorial works ever produced. In 2000, a set in good condition sold at auction in New York for $8 million, a world record amount for any book.
Renfrewshire Libraries are proud to hold a set of 'Birds of America' for the people of Renfrewshire. It was donated by Sir Peter Coats of the famous thread manufacturers, J and P Coats. Great care is taken with the volumes, which are kept in secure storage. The original works can be seen on display from time to time, and in 2006 our copy was made available to the National Library of Scotland for the 'Birds of a Feather' exhibition.
You can see all of the volumes and prints in the online edition on the The Audubon Society website. This society, named in Audubon's honour, was incorporated in America in 1905 to promote conservation.
John James Audubon
John James Audubon was born in Haiti in 1785, raised in France and moved to America at the age of 18. He conducted expeditions into America's wildernesses to study birds and wildlife. To accurately paint the birds, he shot them first and fixed them into lifelike positions with wire. In his paintings the birds are set in their natural habitat, surrounded by appropriate plants. When his great work was ready, Audubon couldn't find a publisher for it in America. It was eventually published in Edinburgh. Audubon died in 1851 and is buried in New York.
Images from 'Birds of America'
For more information on viewing this set of books, please contact Renfrewshire Libraries:
- email: ref.els@renfrewshire.gov.uk
- phone: 0141 889 2360
- fax: 0141 887 6468
- write to us or visit at:
Reference Library
Central Library
68 High Street
Paisley
PA1 2BB
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