A History of Birdwatching in 100 Objects

By David Callahan,

Book cover of A History of Birdwatching in 100 Objects

Book description

This book looks at 100 items that have profoundly shaped how people watched, studied and engaged with the avian world. Each item contains around 500 words on a double-page spread and include an illustration of the object in question. The book includes the objects listed below as well as many…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked A History of Birdwatching in 100 Objects as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

The author was one of the earliest (if not the earliest) to write a history of a subject using a specific number of objects. In this book, he describes the development of observing birds through the medium of 100 objects, of which a surprising selection is presented, all well illustrated, from prehistoric paintings to more recent technology.  Possibly the most curious is a stuffed extinct dodo at the Horniman Museum in London. It was actually a deceptive piece made by a leading taxidermist using plaster casts, chicken wings, and swan, goose, and ostrich feathers.

From Lesley's list on the history of British birds.

If you love A History of Birdwatching in 100 Objects...

Ad

Book cover of What Walks This Way: Discovering the Wildlife Around Us Through Their Tracks and Signs

What Walks This Way by Sharman Apt Russell,

Nature writer Sharman Apt Russell tells stories of her experiences tracking wildlife—mostly mammals, from mountain lions to pocket mice—near her home in New Mexico, with lessons that hold true across North America. She guides readers through the basics of identifying tracks and signs, revealing a landscape filled with the marks…

Want books like A History of Birdwatching in 100 Objects?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like A History of Birdwatching in 100 Objects.

Browse books like A History of Birdwatching in 100 Objects

Book cover of Book of British Birds
Book cover of Birds Britannica
Book cover of The Birds of Devon

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,861

readers submitted
so far, will you?

Ad

📚 If you like A History of Birdwatching in 100 Objects, you might also like...

Book cover of The Silken Thread: Five Insects and Their Impacts on Human History

The Silken Thread by Robert N. Wiedenmann,

This is not an insect book--it is a history book, but one that tells the history you didn't learn in school, or it tells the history in a way you never imagined. Five insects had a significant impact on human history. Silkworm moth, Oriental rat flea, human body louse, yellow…

Book cover of In This Together: Connecting with Your Community to Combat the Climate Crisis

In This Together by Marianne E. Krasny,

In This Together explores how we can harness our social networks to make a real impact fighting the climate crisis. Against notions of the lone environmental crusader, Marianne E. Krasny shows us the power of "network climate action"—the idea that our own ordinary acts can influence and inspire those close…

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in birdwatching, birds, and dodo bird?

Birdwatching 38 books
Birds 177 books
Dodo Bird 8 books