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Charles Harper's Birds and Words
Birds & Words is a true reflection of Charley Harper, that rare species of a man with twinkling eyes and smile, with wit as infectiously keen and light-hearted as his paintings. Harper the humorist is as captivating in the self composed stories that accompany his serigraphs as Harper the artist. This boxed reissue of the highly collectible 1974 classic is perfect for every bird lover, art collector and Charley Harper fan alike. Specially made cloth wrapped boxes open to reveal a numbered cloth bound book and one of four beautiful silk-screen prints, each estate stamped and hand numbered. A perfect gift for any occasion.
151 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2008
6 people are currently reading
195 people want to read
About the author
Charley Harper
43 books21 followersA Modernist artist. He was best known for his highly stylized wildlife prints, posters and book illustrations.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
December 28, 2018
I received Charles Harper's Birds & Words from my husband for Christmas, a book that has long been on my wish list. It is a reprinting of Harper's 1972 book presenting the bird portfolios sold at $5 each in the back of the Ford Times, the Ford Motor Company's lifestyle magazine.
Harper's original introduction was of great interest to me as I knew little about the life of the artist. He grew up on a farm, but farm life disagreed with him. He was repulsed by how farm animals were treated. After his service in the army, he spent some unsatisfying time in New York City before studying at the Cincinnati Art Academy. A trip out west gave him direction. As he studied nature he began to understand the complexity of human existence and our relationship to nature.
He wrote,
"...the more I learn about nature, the more I am troubled by unanswerable questions about human exploitation of plants and animals and our casual assumption that the natural world is here only to serve people. I see all living things as fellow creatures with as might right as I have to be here and to continue living. I have to ask myself how man, the predator with a conscience, can live without carrying a burden of guilt for his existence at the expense of other creatures. Where does none draw the line between preservation of nature and preservation of self?"
Western Tanager from Ten Western Birds
The book is divided into the six portfolios:
Ten Western Birds, from Ford Times 1956
America's Vanishing Birds, from Ford Times 1957
Ten Southern Birds, from Ford Times 1958
American Bird Architects, from Ford Times 1959
American Bird Census, from Ford Times 1960
Ten Collector Prints
Each bird is given two pages, one page showing the illustration and a page for Harper's descriptions, which are often whimsical, a pure delight to read. The title font Kismet was specially chosen by Harper for the book.
Readers also learn about how Harper developed his unique style, paring images down to geometrical shapes.
Although I do love all the illustrations, it was the section of America's Vanishing Birds that moved me the most. These birds became extinct directly by human hands: The Great Auk, destroyed by 1844; the Carolina Paroquet, gone by 1904, hunted for ladies' hats; the Passenger Pigeon last seen in 1914; the Heath Hen which in 1830 was commonly found around Boston; and the Ivory-Billed Woodpecker, Labrador Duck, and Eskimo Curlew. Endangered, but still with us, he included the Whopping Crane, Trumpeter Swan, California Condor (extinct in 1987 but being reintroduced), and the Everglade Kite.
I knew the book would be a visual feast, and that a study of the art would be interesting. I had not realized that Harper was also "an alternative Audubon" who was an environmentalist at heart.
Harper's original introduction was of great interest to me as I knew little about the life of the artist. He grew up on a farm, but farm life disagreed with him. He was repulsed by how farm animals were treated. After his service in the army, he spent some unsatisfying time in New York City before studying at the Cincinnati Art Academy. A trip out west gave him direction. As he studied nature he began to understand the complexity of human existence and our relationship to nature.
He wrote,
"...the more I learn about nature, the more I am troubled by unanswerable questions about human exploitation of plants and animals and our casual assumption that the natural world is here only to serve people. I see all living things as fellow creatures with as might right as I have to be here and to continue living. I have to ask myself how man, the predator with a conscience, can live without carrying a burden of guilt for his existence at the expense of other creatures. Where does none draw the line between preservation of nature and preservation of self?"
Western Tanager from Ten Western Birds
The book is divided into the six portfolios:
Ten Western Birds, from Ford Times 1956
America's Vanishing Birds, from Ford Times 1957
Ten Southern Birds, from Ford Times 1958
American Bird Architects, from Ford Times 1959
American Bird Census, from Ford Times 1960
Ten Collector Prints
Each bird is given two pages, one page showing the illustration and a page for Harper's descriptions, which are often whimsical, a pure delight to read. The title font Kismet was specially chosen by Harper for the book.
Readers also learn about how Harper developed his unique style, paring images down to geometrical shapes.
Although I do love all the illustrations, it was the section of America's Vanishing Birds that moved me the most. These birds became extinct directly by human hands: The Great Auk, destroyed by 1844; the Carolina Paroquet, gone by 1904, hunted for ladies' hats; the Passenger Pigeon last seen in 1914; the Heath Hen which in 1830 was commonly found around Boston; and the Ivory-Billed Woodpecker, Labrador Duck, and Eskimo Curlew. Endangered, but still with us, he included the Whopping Crane, Trumpeter Swan, California Condor (extinct in 1987 but being reintroduced), and the Everglade Kite.
I knew the book would be a visual feast, and that a study of the art would be interesting. I had not realized that Harper was also "an alternative Audubon" who was an environmentalist at heart.
December 24, 2018
I have just discovered the wonderful art of Charley Harper.
This book is exclusively about North American birds, all illustrated with Harper's unique painting style. It is 146 pages, every illustration takes up a whole page with a description on the adjoining page by Harper.
Sometimes he gets a little self-righteous about the "evil humans" infringing on the birds' habitat. His rebuke is a little dated as well since his illustrations were published in Ford Times in 1960. Most of these birds have made a dramatic comeback. The mockingbird for instance is in no danger here in Texas.
All the photos are in color and beautiful. The book is about 8.5 inches tall and 11 inches wide. A nice size to enjoy these beautiful paintings.
This book is exclusively about North American birds, all illustrated with Harper's unique painting style. It is 146 pages, every illustration takes up a whole page with a description on the adjoining page by Harper.
Sometimes he gets a little self-righteous about the "evil humans" infringing on the birds' habitat. His rebuke is a little dated as well since his illustrations were published in Ford Times in 1960. Most of these birds have made a dramatic comeback. The mockingbird for instance is in no danger here in Texas.
All the photos are in color and beautiful. The book is about 8.5 inches tall and 11 inches wide. A nice size to enjoy these beautiful paintings.
December 31, 2018
I re-encountered this book from my childhood recently in quirky downtown Tulsa bookstore and exclaimed over it such that my husband secretly bought it for a holiday gift. I did not appreciate this book as a child as much as I do as an adult--mainly because, like the author/illustrator, I'd never seen most of these birds in real life (many drawings were inspired by birds he'd seen in a field guide). And without the internet back then, I couldn't look them up to see what they really looked like.
Charley Harper has a very distinct art style. He breaks down the shapes and markings of animals into basic shapes: triangles and ice cream cones, lines with half circles, dots and pointy ovals. Birds are fat, colorful shapes on skinny line legs. But looking at his illustrations makes you actually see even birds you've known all your life from a fresh perspective. Did you ever notice that the cardinal wears a black bib? I liked to look at each bird drawing before searching on the internet for a photo in order to guess what it might look like. I think I would have enjoyed the book much more as a child if I'd had the internet to show me these birds from the far reaches of the country and time. Every illustration also comes with a commentary that is informative and sometimes imbued with dad-joke humor.
Some birds piqued my interest enough to research them, especially the extinct ones like the heath hen and rumored-to-be-extinct ones like the ivory-billed woodpecker. There are several birds from the book that I'd love to spot in real life like the green jay, mountain bluebird, painted bunting, indigo bunting, and the weird water turkey (who looks like a cross between a snake and a turkey when swimming in the water).
This book is one part art, one part bird, and one part what you make of it. If you're a bird lover and ever encounter this book out in the wild, be sure to pick it up and take it home with you.
Charley Harper has a very distinct art style. He breaks down the shapes and markings of animals into basic shapes: triangles and ice cream cones, lines with half circles, dots and pointy ovals. Birds are fat, colorful shapes on skinny line legs. But looking at his illustrations makes you actually see even birds you've known all your life from a fresh perspective. Did you ever notice that the cardinal wears a black bib? I liked to look at each bird drawing before searching on the internet for a photo in order to guess what it might look like. I think I would have enjoyed the book much more as a child if I'd had the internet to show me these birds from the far reaches of the country and time. Every illustration also comes with a commentary that is informative and sometimes imbued with dad-joke humor.
Some birds piqued my interest enough to research them, especially the extinct ones like the heath hen and rumored-to-be-extinct ones like the ivory-billed woodpecker. There are several birds from the book that I'd love to spot in real life like the green jay, mountain bluebird, painted bunting, indigo bunting, and the weird water turkey (who looks like a cross between a snake and a turkey when swimming in the water).
This book is one part art, one part bird, and one part what you make of it. If you're a bird lover and ever encounter this book out in the wild, be sure to pick it up and take it home with you.
July 16, 2008
Charles Harper is one my favourite illustrators. A minimal realist, he describes his avian vision as such: "I didn't see scapulars, auriculars, primaries, tail coverts, tarsi - none of that. I saw exciting shapes, color combinations, patterns, textures, fascinating behaviour and endless possibilities for making interesting pictures. And so I have never counted the feathers in the wings, for that is not what my pictures are about. I just count the wings."
And the result is genius. He adds short witty descriptions of each bird (hence, the "and Words"), and a conservationist during these tragic times of disappearing species, he remarks, "If you find humor in my work, it's because I'm laughing to keep from screaming."
And the result is genius. He adds short witty descriptions of each bird (hence, the "and Words"), and a conservationist during these tragic times of disappearing species, he remarks, "If you find humor in my work, it's because I'm laughing to keep from screaming."
February 7, 2009
Beautiful, beautiful birds! Harper described his work as "minimal realism". His bird pictures are painstakingly researched but, as he writes: "I'm probably the only wildlife artist in America who has never been compared to Audubon." Each picture is accompanied by a short, witty, paragraph about the bird. This will make a great gift book!
December 3, 2009
Love love love these images. Harper actually knows birds, and it shows.
He captures real attributes of different species in a way few artists do. I often find birds in art to look leaden, or else totally mismatched to their habitat or behavior. But Charley Harper gets it right every time.
Beautiful iconic work.
He captures real attributes of different species in a way few artists do. I often find birds in art to look leaden, or else totally mismatched to their habitat or behavior. But Charley Harper gets it right every time.
Beautiful iconic work.
January 28, 2021
Charley Harper's birds are so ubiquitous that I never felt the need to look into his work, nor into him, as an artist. But this book is a special book, and I'm glad to have discovered it in my library.
Originally published in 1972, with art primarily from 1956-60, the re-issue adds a two-page introduction (2008) by Todd Oldham. There is also a six-page essay by Harper, which provides context. Remainder of the book is organized into six sections, consisting of double-page spreads with a witty paragraph (left) and a bird illustration (right).
Within the opening essay, I discovered that Harper was an environmentalist at heart, a fact which allows me to now better appreciate his "minimal realism" style.
"I could never get close enough to count the feathers in the wings, so I just count the wings."
"And I'm probably the only wildlife artist in America who has never been compared to Audubon."
Final paragraph of essay:
" Over the years my field work has improved a little. I can get the bird in the binoculars now, but the more I learn about nature, the more I am troubled by unanswerable questions about human exploitation of plants and animals and our casual assumption that the natural world is here only to serve people. I see all living things as fellow creatures with as much right as I have to be here and to continue living. I have to ask myself how man, the predator with a conscience, can live without carrying a burden of guilt for his existence at the expense of other creatures. Where does one draw the line between preservation of nature and preservation of self? Can a nature lover ever find true happiness at the top of the food chain? If you find humor in my work, it's because I'm laughing to keep from screaming."
Originally published in 1972, with art primarily from 1956-60, the re-issue adds a two-page introduction (2008) by Todd Oldham. There is also a six-page essay by Harper, which provides context. Remainder of the book is organized into six sections, consisting of double-page spreads with a witty paragraph (left) and a bird illustration (right).
Within the opening essay, I discovered that Harper was an environmentalist at heart, a fact which allows me to now better appreciate his "minimal realism" style.
"I could never get close enough to count the feathers in the wings, so I just count the wings."
"And I'm probably the only wildlife artist in America who has never been compared to Audubon."
Final paragraph of essay:
" Over the years my field work has improved a little. I can get the bird in the binoculars now, but the more I learn about nature, the more I am troubled by unanswerable questions about human exploitation of plants and animals and our casual assumption that the natural world is here only to serve people. I see all living things as fellow creatures with as much right as I have to be here and to continue living. I have to ask myself how man, the predator with a conscience, can live without carrying a burden of guilt for his existence at the expense of other creatures. Where does one draw the line between preservation of nature and preservation of self? Can a nature lover ever find true happiness at the top of the food chain? If you find humor in my work, it's because I'm laughing to keep from screaming."
January 14, 2018
I discovered the art of Charles Harper when in Gettysburg last fall. I fell in love and sent for this book. He loves birds, he called his art style minimal realist, and his quick commentary on each bird in the book is informative and fun. This is a great end table (I don't own a coffee table) book to visit again and again. He suits my contemporary art style and love of birds.
June 10, 2022
So… there’s a whole genre convention among conservationists… where their entire approach to nature is to make you feel BAD about being a human and you should know you do BAD THINGS and everything is the worst. I would like Charley Harper’s delightful mid-century birds better if his words weren’t calculated to make me feel bad.
January 8, 2022
I found learning Charley Harper's back story enjoyable and it really added to my appreciation of the book. His descriptions and the accompanying illustrations are unique, very special.
A lovely book you can look at and read again and again.
A lovely book you can look at and read again and again.
November 24, 2018
The art is amazing.
August 9, 2019
Fun, lovely prints with a bit of humor and whimsy
December 31, 2019
My favorite artist and one of my favorite things ( birds). Could there be a better birthday present?
December 24, 2020
Beautiful collection of paintings. grab a cup of tea and relax with it!
March 12, 2023
Adorable, hilarious, and scientifically accurate- the bird art will stay with you for a long time!
June 15, 2024
Amazing art — his humor sort of escape’s me. Might be an era thing.
August 31, 2024
I've flipped through this for years and found a gap today to read it front to back.
It's exquisite. Every single page is a damn treasure. I'm pissed I can't add a 6th star.
It's exquisite. Every single page is a damn treasure. I'm pissed I can't add a 6th star.
February 26, 2018
Very cute and interesting drawings, really simplified, yet informing and inspiring!
July 29, 2008
What a fantastic little book! Originally published in 1974, this collection of prints and commentary by Charles Harper was long out of print, but now it has been revived in a new edition with a warm introduction by Todd Oldham.
With a style known as 'minimal realism,' Harper captures the essence of his avian subjects without getting lost in the details. Witty remarks and observations pair nicely with his art.
I would challenge anyone who claims to loathe modern art to dislike the work of Charles Harper. Examples of Harper's art along with a delightful review may be found here:
http://audubonmagazine.org/features08...
With a style known as 'minimal realism,' Harper captures the essence of his avian subjects without getting lost in the details. Witty remarks and observations pair nicely with his art.
I would challenge anyone who claims to loathe modern art to dislike the work of Charles Harper. Examples of Harper's art along with a delightful review may be found here:
http://audubonmagazine.org/features08...
September 5, 2008
This book is one of the most beautiful books I've owned in a long time. The simplicity of his words, and the deceptively simple illustrations make this book a joy to own. Unlike a normal book about birds, this brings them to life about how they exist, rather than their stats.
If you want something that'll make you smile every time you pick it up, then get this!
If you want something that'll make you smile every time you pick it up, then get this!
October 18, 2008
This is a lovely, quirky little book of Harper's bird silkscreens and other bird art. He has a great sense of humor, and some of the pictures, like the one of the chickadees with their faces turned in all different directions (including upside-down) made me laugh. A wonderful gift book for a bird lover; I'm giving it to my sister for her birthday.
December 22, 2009
Charles gave this to me for my birthday, and then I read it while he was reading Consider Phlebas. I LOVE THIS BOOK. It has a bunch of my favorite illustrations, plus a few I didn't already have, plus Charley Harper's lyrical-shmyrical descriptions. Love, love, love. Read it, then read it again, I say.
November 10, 2010
I have a small collection of Charlie Harper prints, and aspire to have more. It's wonderful to see so many of them reproduced with the stories of the birds included. Makes me want more prints NOW.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves Charlie's work, or wonderful artistic prints of birds. What a treasure Charlie was and how greatly missed.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves Charlie's work, or wonderful artistic prints of birds. What a treasure Charlie was and how greatly missed.
September 11, 2016
Gorgeous, fabulous, and brilliant. I can't believe I've never seen these books before and he is famous in Cincinnati. I think they have a holiday named after him! I always loved the art at the Cincinnati Nature Center and now I know why. I love the quote, " I count the wings not the feathers. " What an amazing artist.
November 4, 2013
The art is fascinating as Harper seems to bring out the personality of each creature. Then add his words to the pictures and it is all hilarious. Get ready for great laughs and true appreciation of the various birds portrayed.
January 6, 2017
His beautiful art coupled with simple explanations makes this a gorgeous book. It's accessible for my younger children but I want to reread it myself.
Also, Charley had a great sense of humor, which often comes out in his captions.
Graded an A, of course.
Also, Charley had a great sense of humor, which often comes out in his captions.
Graded an A, of course.
June 11, 2008
Having read the original edition, I can promise lovers of Charley Harper that this collection is some of his finest work.
June 26, 2008
Beautiful, funny, and informative. What more can you possibly ask of a book?
September 11, 2008
Well I have to confess I haven't read the words yet, but the birds! The beautiful birds! His illustrations are so amazing, of course. And the color combinations are just perfect.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews