Product Description

What did we know about birds a thousand years ago, and how has our understanding developed? 'A History of Ornithology' offers a complete history of birdwatching in Britain, a classic for every nature lover's bookshelf. Today there is a huge interest in birdwatching as a hobby, and over the years amateur birdwatchers have contributed enormously to our understanding of the birds around us. At the same time, ornithology has developed as a science -- in the field, in the laboratory, and in the universities -- and birds have played their part in pushing forward the frontiers of biological knowledge. Peter Bircham looks at the history of British ornithology, spanning a millennium and exploring along the way the first bird book, the earliest British lists, various notable scientists, collectors and artists, the first studies of migration, and the challenges presented by classification. He traces the development of the British Ornithologists' Union and other organisations, and finishes with a review of the current state of ornithology in Britain. 'A History of Ornithology' is an authoritative and engrossing account, packed full of fascinating stories -- not only about the birds but also about the many colourful characters who have studied them through the ages. This beautifully illustrated book will hold great appeal both for the student of ornithology and for the enthusiastic amateur naturalist.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #139640 in Books
• Published on: 2007-10-04
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 320 pages

Review
'Bircham has found for himself a distinctive ecological niche by dwelling on the evolving science, rather than ornithology as social process or field activity ! he has produced a thorough and valuable contribution to the field' Mark Cocker, The Guardian 'A very good reference book and a fascinating read.' BTO News 'This book has set a benchmark for future histories on this subject, though I'm guessing that there won't be many books that come along in the near future that offer a serious alternative to this extremely well-balanced and studious work.' Birdwatch A 'well-researched and fascinating book ! Bircham has done a fine job.' BBC Wildlife Magazine 'A joy to read ! scholars will be using it for many years to come.' British Birds

Scottish Bird News
"A most informative book, and a good read."

Cage & Aviary Birds
"It's a corker. . .Three cheers for the Collins New Naturalist series!"

Customer Reviews

A History of Ornithology
Generally pretty good, although perhaps rather bitty in parts. There are well over 200 illustrations, and while they are all very attractive a lot of them are just photographs of common species that add little to the historical aspects of the book. In his Foreword the author says he has been forced to jettison some material which others might think was significant, and I would have preferred to read this rather than to look at fairly meaningless photos.
In the very first paragraph the author makes it clear that he is concerned with ornithology rather than birdwatching, but it would have been interesting to read how the work of the scientists and other leading figures affected the way ordinary birdwatchers pursued their hobby. This happens in places, but since the two are so closely linked more of it would have given the book a more rounded feel. That said, it is a very enjoyable and informative read.

A History of British Ornithology
This book should more accurately be entitled a History of British Ornithology, as this is really its subject area. Developments elsewhere receive very little attention or mention. That said, it is an easy read and a good summary of the history of this science based upon the UK's contribution.

A good introduction
If you are new to the subject, as I am, you should find this a good summary of people and developments in British ornithology over the centuries. The style is readable and well paced.

I agree that some of the illustrations are make-weights, but suspect this is the fault of the publisher rather than the author.