Books : An Exhilaration of Wings: The Literature of Bird Watching
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Binding: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 813
EAN: 9780141001807
ISBN: 0141001801
Label: Penguin (Non-Classics)
Manufacturer: Penguin (Non-Classics)
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 272
Publication Date: May 01, 2001
Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics)
Release Date: May 01, 2001
Studio: Penguin (Non-Classics)
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Editorial Review:
Amazon.com Review:
People have been watching birds and studying their ways since the dawn of humankind. Birdwatching as we know it, however, is a fairly recent invention; in her introduction to this fine anthology, Jen Hill traces it to the English naturalist and philosopher Sir Thomas Browne, who in 1662 put together an annotated list of the birds of Norfolk, having wandered through the marshes and fields to observe their habits. Countless writers have followed in Browne's footsteps, and Hill brings many of them--Browne included--to this nicely portable collection of excerpts from the literature of birdwatching. Among the contributors are the ever-quotable English traveler W.H. Hudson, who took an interest in birds wherever he went, from the jungles of the Amazon to the suburbs of London; Irene Grosvenor Wheelock, whose Birds of California remains a popular reference nearly a century after its first publication; and Oliver Goldsmith, the Georgian writer, who describes the many connections that join birds and other animals to humans. Organized by theme--for instance, migration and bird physiology--Hill's anthology mingles scientific observation, folklore, memoir, and literary essay to make a pleasing, commonplace book. It's a welcome addition to the birdwatcher's bookshelf. --Gregory McNamee
Product Description:
More than seventy-five authors-including Muir, Audubon, and Wordsworth, as well as lesser-known writers and amateur ornithologists-share their infectious observations about birdsong, migration, nests, raptors, sea birds, hummingbirds, and much more. The entries span 1750 through 1925 and are by turns practical, lyrical, humorous, literary, and even mystical, as they illuminate the magical and occasionally unexpected ways in which birding connects us both to the history of the natural world and to that of human experience. A timeless evocation of the passion for birds, this unique and charming collection is certain to delight birdwatchers and natural history lovers alike.
Average Rating: 
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This survey of the literature surrounding birdwatching gathers together some of the most intriguing writings under one cover, exploring the literary side of the observations of Muir, Audubon, and others. These take the form of paragraphs of information which explore sightings and bird ecology.
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This book offers a wonderful look at the historical roots of bird watching. How refreshing to read truly emotional responses to the experience of learning about birds through observation. The wonderful blend of writings underscores the universality and agelessness of the sport.
This book is perfect for short reads -- great to pick up for a moment, either to refresh oneself or to share with a friend. It is a perfect gift for any bird lover -- I have purchased 6 copies to date!
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The "romantic" birder will enjoy the many written excerpts that Hill includes in her book. The "analytical" birder may prefer something more prosaic. Not sure if you are a romantic birder or an analytical birder?...Read ths book and find out.
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This book is awesome. I read it while jammin' on the crete at the Ithaca board park. Love it man. No school, birds rule!
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At last we see the aesthetic side of birdwatching presented with a sensitivity so often lacking in nature writing. Whereas many birding volumes revert to more and more pedantic description, this is a work which, as its title suggests, invites us to experience a little of the ecstacy of flight itself. We study birds because we are inspired by them, but too many birding books concentrate on the study and not the inspiration. In this work the writings of a wide variety of knowledgeable writers ... Read More
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