For the first time since their initial appearance in John James Audubon’s unparalleled Elephant Folio (1827–38), these magnificent hand-colored engravings have been completely reorganized in a manner that closely follows the standard scientific classification of a genetically related group of birds—from the most primitive to the most recently evolved. In addition, both scientific name (order, family, species) and common name for the birds have been brought up to date in accordance with the American Ornithologists’ Union Check-List of North American Birds. For reference, Audubon’s original common and scientific names are also supplied, in brackets, on both the plates and in the commentaries. Besides increased accessibility to the birds through scientific systematization, this new arrangement corrects Audubon’s errors in identification in the original edition. It is also instructive to see the bird paintings grouped this way both from an artistic viewpoint, to compare Audubon’s handling of closely related species, and from a birder’s vantage, to help in recognizing family characteristics. The extreme achievement of this edition is the extraordinary quality of its printing and its faithfulness to the original art. In their commentaries on the plates, the authors have concentrated on Audubon the artist and naturalist, quoting extensively from his Ornithological Biography. This volume is an authoritative source on Audubon’s engravings that both artlovers and birdlovers will enjoy.

694 pages, 917 illustrations (482 in full color), 11 3/4 in. x 15 in. Hardcover; clothbound, with jacket. One-volume, with slipcase.

Publisher's price $185

This item cannot be gift wrapped or boxed. See details.

Audubon's Birds of America: The Audubon Society Baby Elephant Folio
03-020260
Member Price: $99.00 each
Non-Member Price: $110.00 each


Quantity: