Many of my friends wonder why in the world would anyone want 1200 Bird Books and still be excited with another one. Well, this is just one that answers that question.In the World of Birding,the interests are limitless;and that it what attracts so many of us to it.Some simply enjoy a walk outdoors to look for,watch and listen to birds, and that is fine. Others keep lists of birds seen locally,annually,daily,or in their travels far and wide.Others have interests in banding,protection,rehabilation,scientifically,photographing,social aspects of fellow Birders;and without doubt,one of the outstanding aspects of birds is the artwork that has been created ever since people have noticed the ever present existence of birds around them.Pictures of birds have been found from the times man first created art on the walls of the caves they called home;and has continued throughout the centuries to fill the homes,books and walls of museums.
Many of the Bird Books in my collection are books of Bird Art.I once met Roger Peterson, and when asked what was his favorite bird he replied,"The one I'm looking at,at the time." That astute thought can be applied to many things;and certainly to Bird Art.
This book is huge by just about any standard.17.2 X 14.2 X 1.6 inches;224 pages,and weighs 7.7 pounds.Everything about it is excellent from the quality of construction, glossy hard cover and dust jacket ,both front and back artwork,fine paper,printing and color reproduction and 130 full page or larger, magnificent the author had to choose from is huge,the ones chosen are some of the best known and loved in the western world,and with even some from the eastern world included.
Naturally ,a book of this type cannot include everyone's favorite,and it may not include yours,but it does what was intended;and that is, to show the magnificent art that has been created by artists over the centuries.
It is a book any person interestered in birds will love,and would be an appreciated gift for a friend or even yourself.It has quickly become one of my favorites.