To my view Audubon's greatest claims to fame and glory were first, the versatility of his talents and gifts, and second the completion of his main ambition, the original elephant folio of paintings of 435 species of American birds against overwhelming odds was tour de force, of a kind which has never again been equaled in history. Ludlow Griscom, Chairman of the Board of the National Audubon Society, 1950

{HISTORY}

John James Audubon and his beautiful Birds of America need no introduction. Both the man and the art have been captivating the world for over two centuries. But if you are unfamiliar with his work and his distinctive collection, between the years of 1827-1838, John James Audubon (1785-1851), the world's most famous bird painter, published a series of paintings of over 400 bird species depicted in their natural habitats. 

Capturing not only the physical characteristics of each bird but also their personality, Audubon's interpretations were nothing but extraordinary then and have remained, over the course of 200 years, equally as enchanting as when they first debuted. 

Originally published in a limited number of giant, elephant folio-sized books, they were too expensive and too limited in quantity for anyone but the most wealthy to purchase and enjoy.  But from an artistic and a natural history perspective, they were too important to squander among just a select few, so reproductions were made in various forms and price points over the last 200 years so that everyone around the globe, regardless of price or location, would always have a chance to appreciate Audubon's incredible work. 

In 1950, the Macmillan Company published this Popular Edition of Audubon's Birds of America with prints reproduced from the royal octavo folio first published in 1937.  It contains 288 full-color, full-page reproductions of Audubon's original work along with brief descriptions highlighting unique facts about each bird. An introduction by National Audubon Society Chairman, Ludlow Griscom includes a brief and compelling history of John James Audubon's life, his work, and the impact both made (and still make) upon the fields of ornithology, art, and natural science today. 

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- Published by The Macmillian Company, 1950

- 320 pages

- Includes original dust jacket 

 - Full-color prints throughout

{CONDITION} 

In lovely vintage condition, this book is very clean and bright throughout with no spots, stains or markings. The dust jacket contains some chippy areas on the top and bottom edge. The decorated coverboards are in beautiful shape with no spots or stains. There is a handwritten gift inscription on the inside front endpaper that reads To... (illegible name) who's quite a bird himself! From (illegible name).  The spine is tight and all pages are intact.  

{SIZE}

Measures 8.5" inches (width) x 5.75" inches (length) x 1" inch (thickness)and weighs 1.4 lbs.

{FOR THE COLLECTOR}

We absolutely adore John James here in the shop. Find more of his birds here.