Thursday, April 18, 2019

The Birdman's Wife-- A book Review

I have just finished reading a delightful book on the life of Elizabeth and John Gould.



John Gould is the well known Ornithologist and bird artist and his wife the lesser known real artist behind his reputation.

He was the sketcher but Elizabeth and also Edward Lear were the main reasons for his Bird Books success.
Many other accomplished  artists also contributed to his work.

John Gould was a very driven man intent on success and with a passion for birds and knowledge.
He was a very clever marketer and successful businessman.

This book concentrates on the life of the Goulds as told through the eyes of Elizabeth.

She was dedicated to her art and birds but was torn between her occupation and her role as a mother.
She was devoted to her husband and his work but sacrificed much as a mother.

Please note the link under is an article by Melissa Ashley.
It is not the text of her book.

https://exhibits.lib.ku.edu/exhibits/show/gould/about/elizabeth_gould

If you like birds, and you are intrigued like I am, by the many connections between the leading lights of the day in wildlife and bird art you will find this an engrossing book.
Here are some other titles where you can cross reference the material in "the Birdmans Wife".

 
This book was also put together by Maureen Lambourne

Maureen is the great great grand daughter of John Gould.




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