After you have learned the names of the birds, if you are a thoughtful person, you become interested in their way of life, travels, ecology, populations, psychology, or whatever teases your curiosity... Roger Tory Peterson

{HISTORY}

If you picked up a bird identification field guide anytime in the last 100 years, chances are you would recognize the name Roger Tory Peterson. As our modern-day equivalent to the artistic talents of John James Audubon, Roger Tory Peterson (1908-1996) was responsible for creating interest and enthusiasm in the birdwatching community with his detailed avian art and influential nature identification guides. 

Roger's A Field Guide to the Birds was first published in 1934. Since it was the Great Depression and the book publishing industry had taken a hard hit, Roger's book was given a poor favorability rating when it came to projected sales. Only 2000 copies were printed. But bird and book lovers said otherwise. The entire first run, all 2000 books sold out in two weeks to everyone's surprise.

A Field Guide to the Birds was revolutionary when it came to bird identification. Simple, straightforward, and easy to use, Roger made it fun and interesting for everyone to become a bird watcher. He filled his book with detailed drawings, notes on unique characteristics, and imagery of groupings of similar birds, based on location first and species second, with color plate drawings to help identify male, female, and juvenile stages. Other handy information could also be found. A ruler printed on the back coverboard helped offer precise measurements and perspective when viewing a bird in the wild. Fun facts about each bird, additional reading references, and a friendly, conversational voice added interest and character to each and every bird, bringing them to life on the page as well as in the field. 

Still in print, A Field Guide to The Birds has now sold millions of copies around the world and continues to be a favorite among birders. 

This edition was published in 1947, the 33rd printing and third revision of the original. Appearing just two years after World War II ended and 13 years after the book's debut, this edition features birds found in Eastern and Central North America covering all states from North Dakota down to Texas, across to Florida, and up to Maine. It also includes Eastern Canada from Manitoba to Nova Scotia. 

Roger's love of birding began in childhood and he credits his interest in nature and the avian species with keeping him out of a life of trouble and rambunctious delinquency.  He never dreamed his book would become such a popular guide., but it wouldn't have mattered much if it did not sell well in the first place. He would have carried on his passion for painting and observing the natural world regardless. It was a passion he enjoyed and pursued his entire life. As a conservationist, Roger promoted ways to protect bird species, encourage habitat sustainability and improve wildlands for the protection of birds around the country. He pursued this endeavor with vigor throughout his life, making him not only an expert in the field but also the most trusted resource. His efforts earned him the Presential Medal of Freedom granted by President Jimmy Carter and numerous other awards throughout his career including a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize.

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- 1947 Edition, 33rd Printing, 3rd revision of original

- Contains 290 pages

- Illustrated throughout with color and black and art by Roger Tory Peterson

{CONDITION}

In absolutely beautiful condition. Clean and well cared for throughout its long life, this book is spot-free. The spine is tight, all pages are intact, and the coverboardss are clean and bright. 

{SIZE}

Measures 7.5" inches (length) x 4.75" inches (width) x 1" inch (thickness) and weighs just a smidge under 1lb

{MORE FROM ROGER}

Find more of Roger Tory Peterson's work in the shop here.