In this stunning assemblage of words and images, novelist and avid birdwatcher Graeme Gibson has crafted an extraordinary tribute to the venerable ...
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reviews
Mar 10, 2011
I wanted to like this book, I really did. I borrowed it from the library to consider purchasing it for my own bird book collection. I love books and bird books. However, I ended up not being able to read this book (which is why there are no stars).
It is a collection of readings about birds, so I skimmed through, reading some of them, but there were too many sad passages about birds slaughtered by the thousands and one awful story about a bird being plucked alive (by a Saint, no less) More...
It is a collection of readings about birds, so I skimmed through, reading some of them, but there were too many sad passages about birds slaughtered by the thousands and one awful story about a bird being plucked alive (by a Saint, no less) More...
Jan 04, 2012
I love this book, tidbits of bird trivia mixed richly with myths from every corner of the globe. Birds and myths, what more could I desire? However I never seem to be able to finish this one when I get it from the library. It sprouts scrappy bookmarks like mushrooms after the rain marking quotes to record, images to track down and books to add to the ever growing stack.
One of the rewards of birdwatching is the brief escape it affords from our ancient and compelling need to make More...
One of the rewards of birdwatching is the brief escape it affords from our ancient and compelling need to make More...
Jan 17, 2012
Katie
rated it: 
This book is meant to be read in snippets, all cozied up in bed each night, per its name, so I have to confess that cover-to-cover does not work quite so well. Suddenly, a whole section on how humans kill, eat, and use birds for their own purposes becomes incredibly depressing when read all in one go. In fact, the book as a whole focuses primarily on humanity's relationship with birds, not simply birds themselves. It's a key distinction, and ultimately I found myself wishing the book offered mor
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May 15, 2011
Maura
rated it: 
A beautiful book with wonderful illustrations from all aspects of the art world. The stories, poems and essays, however, seemed to deal mostly with the extermination of birds - not much on enjoying and preserving their beauty. Maybe because animal rights and appreciation of the species is a relatively new thing and most of continents of this book were gathered from history rather than present day.
Oct 06, 2011
christie
rated it: 
Husband of Margaret Atwood (didn't realize this until I had finished all of the stories!) Yes, this book is sad, but the extermination of birds is real and happens all too often. I think it is a very brilliant collection of stories and artwork. Being aware isn't always cheery. I found it inspiring to learn more about the birds among us now...
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Nov 26, 2010
Airi's Timing is Off
rated it: 
Random stories and poems about birds. ..with pretty pictures. I don't have much of an attention span for the poems, but there are some pretty interesting folklore concerning birds in here, and just little anecdotes, and it's fascinating to see how birds have played a role in the collective human subconscious.
..Can you tell I like birds? :)
..Can you tell I like birds? :)
Jan 18, 2009
Rachelckelly
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This book is gorgeous. When I get around to it, I will purchase a second copy to dissect for its art. Gibson covers the bird as inspiration for writing, art, travel, study...across centuries. The publishing job is fantastic. The weight of the paper, colors and typeface are all as gorgeous as the images and writing he selected.
Jun 13, 2011
David R.
rated it:
A delightful anthology of writings related to birds, even if tangentially. Gibson groups the material in nine topics (or "kingdoms" from birds in myths to birds as sources of danger. Definitely for the reader with a taste for beautiful language, and even of interest to serious birders.
Dec 03, 2009
Graham
rated it:
A beautifully designed and illustrated book on a subject I never knew I cared about until I stumbled upon it. Bought it together with its companion, "The Bedside Book of Beasts," and I can't wait to start that one next.
Aug 10, 2011
Debbie
rated it:
Gorgeous book. The illustrations are fantastic. The Miscellany of the title I find is also the downfall, too much going on for a higher rating.
Apr 06, 2010
It looks awesome, can't wait to read it! Birds and bedside reading, two of my favorite things!
Oct 18, 2008
drozda
rated it:
this spendid and magnificently illustrated collection has kept me captivated for months now....and actually inspired me to begin a new series of paintings based upon my decades as an avid bird watcher. some evenings i just browse the rich color plates and other evenings i read a story or two...always calms me by providing yet another glimpse into the winged ones ways of natural rhythms plus i so enjoy the tremendously diverse writing styles and as mentioned... the art throughout.
Oct 26, 2007
Christian
rated it:
Excellent assemblage of poems, prose snippets, and (especially) pictures of birds collected by the author. Some minor quibbles: The little intros by the author weren't necessary; the division of the book into themes detracts from the ability to just randomly pick a page and start reading; and there should've been some identification as to whether a prose snippet was from a fiction or non-fiction work. Other than that, very well done.
May 18, 2008
Tina
rated it:
This book, though nice-looking, was not what I expected, and I ended up not liking it very much. I thought the illustrations, especially the photos of ancient bird art, were the best part of the book. The author's selection of written entries about birds tended heavily toward negative and dastardly encounters with them. I guess anyone whose favorite movie was Hitchcock's "The Birds" would love this book.
Jan 13, 2011
Megan
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I really enjoyed this. It's full of interesting texts from all over the world and beautiful artwork, and the groupings of the texts flow well one to the next. I appreciated the last section being full of texts about hope.
Jan 01, 2010
R.Joseph
rated it:
This book is wonderfully illustrated and is not a stuffy birdwatchers guide. The book is full of imaginative stories revolving around birds and the types of representation we afford them.
May 17, 2008
Wendolyn
rated it:
this is seriously nursing my long standing obsession with orinthology. maybe if i wasn't so terrible at stupid science it could of been my life's work.
May 25, 2009
Abby
rated it:
bird folklore and beautiful pictures. forever picking this book up to read little snippets and look at the strange art.
Nov 21, 2007
Michelle
rated it:
A charming bedside book, filled with beautiful illustrations, interesting facts and whimsical anecdotes about birds.
Dec 17, 2009
I haven't read this book yet, but I really enjoy the pictures. I have a small obsession with birds though.
Mar 30, 2010
Tanzi
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The absolute best thing about this book is the beautiful pictures. They are gorgeous!
Feb 10, 2012
