Audubon Birds

Since John James Audubon first published his famous engravings in Birds of America, between 1827 and 1838, they have been universally recognized as artworks of supreme beauty that also incorporate the scientific knowledge of Audubon's time. Originally issued in a four-volume edition of 190 copies, Birds of America is such a rarity that a full set has brought almost $400,000 at auction. However, the general public is just as fascinated by Audubon's bird prints as the rare book collector.
For this volume, the destinguished American naturealist and artist Roger Tory Peterson has selected his own favorite bird prints, which have been meticulously reproduced in color. In his lively commentaries, Dr. Peterson describes the birds pictured, their characteristics and habitat, and includes the most recent ornithological observations - which sometimes differ from Audubon's. In his introductory essay, Roger Tory Peterson tells about Audubon himself, his difficulties in compiling Birds of America, and discusses how today's conservation movement is actively protecting Audubon's birds from extinction.