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Books Related to A History of Ornithology Peter Bircham - ISBN: 0007199694
A good introduction - Rated
If you are new to the subject, as I am, you should find this a good summary of people and developments in British ornithology over the centuries. The style is readable and well paced.
I agree that some of the illustrations are make-weights, but suspect this is the fault of the publisher rather than the author.
A History of British Ornithology - Rated
This book should more accurately be entitled a History of British Ornithology, as this is really its subject area. Developments elsewhere receive very little attention or mention. That said, it is an easy read and a good summary of the history of this science based upon the UK's contribution.
A History of Ornithology - Rated
Generally pretty good, although perhaps rather bitty in parts. There are well over 200 illustrations, and while they are all very attractive a lot of them are just photographs of common species that add little to the historical aspects of the book. In his Foreword the author says he has been forced to jettison some material which others might think was significant, and I would have preferred to read this rather than to look at fairly meaningless photos.
In the very first paragraph the author makes it clear that he is concerned with ornithology rather than birdwatching, but it would have been interesting to read how the work of the scientists and other leading figures affected the way ordinary birdwatchers pursued their hobby. This happens in places, but since the two are so closely linked more of it would have given the book a more rounded feel. That said, it is a very enjoyable and informative read.
