Duff Hart-Davis

This is an excellent edition of Lascelles' later diaries, a fundamental source for the period from 1936 to late 1940s involving the Royal Family. Very interesting portraits of many important people, and events, from a unique perspective. Lascelles was a well-rounded humane man who never let himself be overwhelmed by his position as Principal Secretary to King George VI. One warning - despite the sub-title, it does not contemporaneously cover the period of the abdication of Edward VIII, although it does have later material on it.… (meer)

I had not read anything about John James Audubon's life until I read this book, and I was shocked to learn that he killed the birds that he painted. Thinking about it, though, it shouldn't have surprised me. People had different sentiments and beliefs toward animals and birds back then (although, of course, many people still hunt and kill for no good reason except "sport"). Audubon's reason for killing was to draw and paint the birds he saw accurately and vividly.

It took me a while to adjust my thoughts and feelings toward Audubon as I saw him killing the creatures I think are so beautiful, but once my mind accepted that reality, I began to enjoy the book. Hart-Davis tells about Audubon's early life, his marriage and family life, his travels to and from Europe to try to sell his life-size paintings, reproduced on double-elephant folio paper (40 x 30 inches). It's a fascinating look at the life of a very hard-working artist and an interesting, obsessed, intelligent and talented man. The history of American birding doesn't begin with Audubon, but Audubon, and Alexander Wilson whom Audubon just happens to run into in Louisville, Kentucky, are certainly major figures in American ornithology and bird art.

Interspersed throughout are plates of Audubon's paintings. They are absolutely beautiful. Portraits of Audubon and other early birders are also included.… (meer)