The Bird Illustrated 1500-1900

This richly illustrated volume traces four centuries of bird illustration—from early woodcuts and engravings to stunning hand-colored lithographs. Joseph Kastner’s engaging narrative evokes the passion of ornithological artists from John Gould and Audubon to lesser-known observers, while Roger Tory Peterson’s introduction highlights the enduring human fascination with avian beauty. The New York Public Library’s extraordinary rare book holdings are brought to life through 45 full-color plates and 54 duotone reproductions of historic works, each celebrating artistry, scientific observation, and the evolving depiction of birds through time.