Ornithography: An Illustrated Guide to Bird Lore & Symbolism

Hidden Languages #2

by Jessica Roux

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING ILLUSTRATOR 
 
From the creator of Floriography and the Woodland Wardens Oracle Deck comes this beautifully illustrated exploration of the folklore, mythology, and history surrounding our favorite winged companions.

Birds have inspired us since the dawn of their elegance in flight, captivating colors, and delicate mannerisms spark hope, joy, and delight. Cultures around the world have historically looked to birds as sacred messengers, intermediaries between earth and sky, including them in myths and legends and using them to teach moral lessons and historical truths.
 
In Jessica Roux’s Ornithography, each of 100 entries focuses on one bird species, featuring a full-page color illustration in her detailed, darkly romantic style and the lore behind each bird.
 
The perfect gift for birdwatchers, gardeners, and history buffs, as well as all readers who appreciate nature, mythology, and art, Ornithography is as intriguing and playful as the feathered muses that fill its pages.

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature, Birds, Art, Animals, Reference, Mythology

224 pages, Hardcover

First published September 24, 2024

Reviews

[Ганна Кузьо · Rating 2 out of 5]

Тако, я дуже упереджена бо дуже в темі пташиній. Читати пʼяте через десяте можна. За годину я це все прочитала, значно цікавішою є енциклопедія назв птахів. Ілюстрації більшість справді красиві. Проте деякі (це я про види у яких добре розбираюся) не точні.
Тож книга не пізнавальна, а радше розважальна.

Ластівки, наприклад, намальовані зовсім сумно. Волове очко більше на якусь кропивянку схоже. Але такі баги в ілюстраціях вийняток, а не правило. А от тексти писані нашвидкоруч, я не зроушміла чому в деяких випадках описані види, в інших роди, або, навіть, кілька родин. Тобто логіки у структурі я не побачила.

Самі тексти не пізнавальні бо зачіпають лиш тему символізму, легенд та міфів, абсолютно не пояснюючи, як воно ж насправді у птахів. Тобто це збірка древніх байок про птахів. Дуже цікавих, так. Але так бракувало мені хоча б кількох речень до кожного тексту з якимись правдивими фактами про цих птахів. До крихітного абзацу можна було ще кілька речень додати, не переобтяжуючи текст.

Тож книга для розглядання, а не читання.

[Kacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting! 🕊

[ameliasanthology · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who enjoys birdwatching and majored in Wildlife Biology in college, this book immediately grabbed my attention. I am a big believer in signs from the universe, so I was excited to learn the meanings and folklore behind some of my favorite species. Off the bat, the drawings are phenomenal. I especially liked that each drawing was representative of the lore behind each species. Having both the common name and scientific name for each species was a nice touch. I think this would be a great gift for someone just starting out in ornithology, wildlife biology, ecology or a similar field. I studied Wildlife Biology during college, and would have been THRILLED to receive a book like this. My favorite lores were that of the cassowary, cormorant, eagle, hummingbird, loon, stonechat, and the thrush!

Overall, it was very apparent that a great deal of time and research went into writing this book, and as a reader, this made me appreciate the content and the author's effort so much more.

[VertigoR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Я був свідомий, коли купляв цю книгу, що у ній превалює візуальна складова (ілюстрації справді красиві), але те наскільки крихітною є текстова частина - несподіванка з ноткою розчарування. Навряд чи авторка прагнула вичерпності (у такому форматі це неможливо і, мабуть, не потрібно), проте до сотні проілюстрованих птахів чомусь не потрапили ані щиглик, ні сойка, ані одуд чи бджолоїдка - яскраві і знакові для культури багатьох народів представники орнітофауни. "Орнітографію" Джессіки Ру важко назвати довідником, це в першу чергу coffee table book - не так для читання, як для розглядання/милування без особливого заглиблення в тему, але з можливістю отримати естетичну насолоду і натхнення.

[Mayumi · Rating 2 out of 5]

For a book that labels itself as a “guide” I find it pretty ridiculous that the author opens with “this was a real thing they did in ancient Greece but I made most of these up on my own.” Girl, what!

The illustrations and formatting was beautiful but what a wasteful way to convey information that’s not even real, wrapping up actual bird lore among made-up ones with no distinguishing note to tell one from fantasy. Really disappointing for someone interested in the subject.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for the eARC! I adored this book and loved the depictions of each bird and the individual folklore and history surrounding each one.

[Justine]

So so SO excited to get an ARC from Andrews McMeel Publishing! Can't wait to read it - spoilers: it'll be soon!
_________________

Started reading October 13th 2024

[Maryna Ponomaryova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Книга супер красива, пташки чудові, а факти про них справді цікаві і стисло викладені. Все сподобалось, чудова на подарунок

[The Bookish Chimera - Pauline · Rating 4 out of 5]

While augury is no longer common practice, and we don't have a “language of birds” as standardized as the Victorian language of flowers, we can look to folklore, mythology and history for insight into the symbolism associated with our feathered friends.”

Ornithography is a very beautiful little book. In its pages, a hundred birds are pictured. For each of them, the meaning, the elements of lore and a gorgeous illustration.
Each entry is short, and you might want to do some deeper research afterwards, as meaning often varies depending on cultures, but I loved that form. While turning the pages, or using the index, you can find the information you want. While creating a bestiary, I found it was a very useful tool, helping me to narrow my research to a couple of birds.
This book will please people who like beautiful books, those who like birds and/or lore, as much as people like writers or artists who would want to quickly find a symbol to use in their work. As for me, it has now a spot on my desk for quick access.
One regret, though. I wish the author would have put the references she used together at the end of the book. I would have helped further research

[Farda Hus · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars.

Okay, first things first, just look at that cover! I mean, seriously, it’s stunning. The moment I saw it, I knew this book was going to be something special, and it totally delivered.

This book dives into the lore and quirky facts about birds, and I was hooked. Did you know that canaries are so sensitive to poisonous gas that they used to be taken into coal mines as an early warning system? Or that doves have been symbols of love for centuries, and there’s actually a really interesting reason behind it? The book is packed with these little gems of knowledge, and I found myself fascinated by every page.

But it’s not just the facts that make this book shine, the illustrations are out of this world. Seriously, they’re beyond beautiful, adding so much to the experience. Every page feels like a piece of art.

Huge shoutout to the author and publisher for the advance copy. This was such a fun and visually stunning read. If you’re into birds or just love a beautifully crafted book, you’ve got to check this one out!

[Ellen Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is so beautiful, such a quick and enjoyable read too.

The lore behind the each bird is fascinating - there’s even dreamtime stories mentioned - and the illustrations are just stunning. i want all of them as prints for my wall.

[Mila Kolisnyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Неймовірної краси довідник з мови птахів як символів. Просто не передати яке це естетичне задоволення гортати сторінки даної книги😍😍😍

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many cool stories about how different bird species came to be and how they got their songs or looks, based on different mythologies.

[Nancy Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice illustrations. Each bird comes with a paragraph or two on its historical, mostly European, lore.

[Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good, though not as good as the last. Again, I wish there was a little more detail.

4.0 🌟

[Janna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated book with folklore, legends, and interesting facts about birds!

I liked reading it while birdwatching on my back porch!

[Stephanie Spain · Rating 2 out of 5]

The artwork is beautiful. Some of the stories are interesting, but I’m not sure the accuracy of them. They’re things I’m not going to check myself, so I’m just taking it all with a grain of salt.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading about the symbolism of birds in folklore, mythology, and history. Some I was familiar with, but many were new to me! The illustrations are absolutely wonderful.

[Anastasiia Kochubei · Rating 4 out of 5]

Гарні ілюстрації, симпатичні короткі тексти. Але з точки зору обґрунтування значень - слабенько, як на мене.

[Paula Boothman · Rating 4 out of 5]

very cute very fun

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this one! Saw it at the bookstore and got it for a great deal on the Kobo store. I love birds, and the illustrations were so beautiful.

[Bebo Saucier Carrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an ARC of this book for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

This book was an absolutely gorgeous look at bird symbolism. I loved that it pulled from literature, folklore, and popular culture to explain the symbolism/associations connected to each bird. I loved that the descriptions were simple and easily digestable. The illustrations were also beautiful!

[Berna Labourdette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Otro libro precioso de Jessica Roux, con muchísima información sobre el simbolismo de 100 aves distintas, en culturas muy diversas. Las ilustraciones son muy detalladas (casi parecen ilustraciones científicas), pero incorporando un símbolo en particular en cada una de ellas. Algo que me gusta es que no utiliza fondos, para que sólo resalten las aves descritas.

Para cualquier interesado en mitología, simbolismo y folklore es muy útil, lo recomiendo mucho.

[Joana · Rating 3 out of 5]

A mix of facts about birds, myths, and stories from around the world - I like that birds from all continents are represented and stories from indigenous cultures feature heavily. I'm not sure I understood the "meaning" of each bird, since it's often based on only one story from one culture, but I would just not put too much weight on that aspect of the book. The illustrations are cute, naive, and sometimes medieval-looking (but kind of sad that pet birds were drawn with their feet chained up somehow, perhaps to make it look more 'old-timey'). I would have also liked a little habitat map or information on where each bird can be found.

I'd say this makes for a lovely little gift for the bird people in your life!

Thank you to Jessica Roux, Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Ilana (3am edition) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the eBook.

Birds have inspired us since the dawn of time: their elegance in flight, captivating colors, and delicate mannerisms spark hope, joy, and delight. 100 entries focused on one bird species, featuring a full-page color illustration in her detailed, darkly romantic style and the lore behind each bird.

It covers a lot of very interesting myths and tales about birds. I found it quite entertaining and loved the illustrations that accompanied each entry. It's very short so you won't find any in-depth explorations into any of the lore, but I think it would make a great coffee table book.

[Schizanthus Nerd · Rating 4 out of 5]

My introduction to bird lore was watching cartoon storks deliver baby after baby but never stopping by my house to deliver the sister I’d been hoping for.

My next bird related memory is slightly less hopeful: the albatross in The Rime of the Ancient Mariner. The albatross is “associated with heavy, inescapable burdens - especially those of a psychological nature.” At the time I couldn’t believe someone could write such a long poem and, if I’m being honest, it freaked me out but it was my beloved Nan who introduced me to this poem so it quickly became a favourite.

It wasn’t until I read this book that I thought about how integral birds are to our folklore, mythology and history. We know the story of the ugly duckling and we want to be as happy as a lark. Birds feature in religious texts and literature. They warn us of danger, inspire us and feature in tales of morality.

There were many connections I’ve never made before. One that stood out to me was Peter denying Jesus in the lead up to His crucifixion and weathercocks.

In the ninth century, Pope Nicholas I decreed that a rooster be placed atop every church in Europe as a reminder of this betrayal. Because weather vanes were already present on many church steeples, roosters were added to the devices, creating the now ubiquitous "weathercock." The oldest surviving weathercock, the Gallo di Ramperto, was installed around the year 820 atop the bell tower of a church in Brescia, Italy.

My favourite entry was the Māori legend relating to the kiwi, which I had heard before but appreciated more with this reading.

Tāne Mahuta, the father of the forest, discovered that insects were eating his trees and making them ill. He called upon his brother, Tāne Hokahoka, the god of the birds, for help. Together, they asked if a bird would come down from the sky and live on the forest floor to eat the destructive insects. Only the brave kiwi agreed. Although he knew this meant he would never fly again, he chose to protect the forest.

With a focus on America and Europe, most of the birds I’ve come across weren’t included. There were even some birds I’d never heard of before. That didn’t make the book any less entertaining, although I’m keen to learn the stories behind the birds I know.

The cover image, which is what initially drew me to the book, is indicative of the illustrations you’ll find accompanying the information about the one hundred birds you’ll meet within its pages. I particularly liked the details that line up with the lore of that bird, for example, the skull pictured with the owl.



Thank you so much to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the opportunity to read this book.

Blog - https://schizanthusnerd.com

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: Ornithography: An Illustrated Guide to Bird Lore & Symbolism by Jessica Roux

Rating: 4 Stars

As a nature enthusiast and casual birdwatcher, I recently dove into Jessica Roux's Ornithography: An Illustrated Guide to Bird Lore & Symbolism, and I must say, I was absolutely charmed. This book is a stunning visual and intellectual journey through the fascinating world of birds, blending folklore, mythology, and rich history into one beautifully illustrated package.

From the same creative mind behind Floriography and the Woodland Wardens Oracle Deck, Roux offers us an exploration of 100 different bird species, each paired with a striking full-page illustration that reflects her darkly romantic style. The artwork is nothing short of breathtaking, and I found myself lingering on the pages, drawn in by the intricate details. Each drawing feels like a piece of art that captures not only the beauty of the birds but also the meanings and stories associated with them. It’s clear that Roux has poured her heart into these illustrations, and they are a feast for the eyes.

What I particularly appreciated is how each entry goes beyond just presenting the bird; it delves into the rich lore surrounding each species. Learning about how different cultures have revered birds as sacred messengers or symbols of deeper truths added a layer of depth to my understanding of them. The blend of art and storytelling really resonates with me, making each bird feel significant and worthy of admiration. The inclusion of both common and scientific names for each species is a thoughtful touch as well.

Overall, I found Ornithography to be an enchanting read that would make a delightful gift for anyone who appreciates nature, mythology, and art—be it a budding birdwatcher or just someone who enjoys learning about the world around them. If you’re looking for a book that combines stunning visuals with fascinating stories, this one is definitely worth picking up. It’s a lovely reminder of the elegance and mystery that our feathered friends bring into our lives.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

[Darya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lavish edition combining beautiful illustrations and short descriptions of the meaning associated with a bird species/genus/family in various human cultures. It is important to note that the focus is not on the birds themselves but on the stories that humans have told each other about birds for ages. Cultural sources are primarily European and North American (the latter includes both Native American traditional cultures and contemporary pop culture), but with a great deal of incursions into other parts of the worlds, primarily Aboriginal Australian lore, with a smattering of East Asian and Central and South American. Is the idea behind that to cover the species most likely to be recognizable by the English-speaking readership (North America, Europe, Australia)? Then, sometimes when a spread is dedicated to a clade inhabiting both "Old World" and "New World," the lore is often from Old World cultures (European or Asian) while the illustration shows an American species from the clade. (Which made me think that texts and illustrations were by different people, working in an uncoordinated manner, but no, it seems like Jessica Roux is the author of both.) Just saying, the skew is there.

I read it though, spread-by-spread, but perhaps it is not even meant to be read like that. It's an epitome of a coffeetable book - a beautiful edition that doesn't tell one overarching story that requires a substantial span of attention. Instead, it is possible to open it on a random page, look at the beautiful picture and learn a little something about the strange allegories people have associated with the fellow inhabitants of the Planet Earth.

I received a free eARC of this book from NetGalley, which I am grateful for; the opinion above is fully my own.

[J Kromrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

In Ornithography: An Illustrated Guide to Bird Lore & Symbolism, Jessica Roux invites readers into a world where art and nature intertwine seamlessly. This beautifully crafted book is a treasure trove for bird enthusiasts and lovers of folklore.

Roux’s meticulous attention to detail is evident in each of the 100 entries, where she explores the lore and symbolism associated with various bird species. Each entry is accompanied by a full-page color illustration, rendered in her signature darkly romantic style. 

What sets Ornithography apart is its ability to blend scientific facts with mythological tales. Roux delves into the cultural significance of each bird, offering insights into how different societies have perceived and revered these creatures throughout history. 

The narrative is informative and poetic, making it accessible to a wide audience. Whether you are a seasoned ornithologist or a casual reader, Roux’s engaging storytelling will captivate your imagination. 

In Ornithography is a celebration of avian beauty with the rich tapestry of stories that surround these fascinating creatures. Jessica Roux has created a work that is educational and enchanting, making it a must-have for anyone interested in the intersection of art, nature, and mythology.

[Michelle Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read a couple of previous titles by Jessica Roux and always been wildly impressed by her beautiful illustrations, and when I saw this new title, I knew immediately that I wanted to read it.

After moving to the country (hence my blog name, The Bucolic Bookshelf), I’ve really appreciated seeing, and hearing, a ton of animals visit (or live on) our property - we have a resident chipmunk who’s lived under our front steps for the entirety of our living here, who is often seen sitting on our the steps, chirping away, we have deer who walk around our front and back yards sometimes after coming from across the street, where they live in the protected land, we have bunnies every spring, a woodchuck moved into our shed, we have teeny frogs who serenade us some evenings, and so many feathered friends, including some that I’d never seen in person before (owls, woodpeckers, wild turkeys).

I loved being able to look through this, matching some of our visitors to the gorgeous illustrations, meaning, and lore of many birds in the book.

Ornithography is an excellent choice for any bird lovers in your life.


Thank you to Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for the PDF