Audubon’s Elephant
Audubon’s Elephant by Duff Hart-Davis, published by Orion Publishing Group in 2004, delves into the life of American ornithologist and naturalist John James Audubon during his years in Edinburgh and London from 1826 to 1838. This edition, comprising 246 pages, explores the intricate production of Audubon’s monumental work, “The Birds of America,” which features 435 hand-colored, life-size prints of 497 bird species. The book provides insight into the challenges Audubon faced, including financial hurdles and competition, as he sought to bring his ambitious vision to fruition.
Readers will find a detailed examination of Audubon’s dedication to his craft, which involved over 12 years of field observations and drawings. The narrative highlights his efforts to secure funding through advance subscriptions and commissions, as well as his interactions with notable figures such as Sir Walter Scott and King George IV. The book also touches on themes of nature and ecology, offering a glimpse into the world of birdwatching and the artistic process behind one of the most significant contributions to ornithology.
Official synopsis Publisher
Examines American ornithologist, naturalist, and painter, John James Audubon’s years in Edinburgh and London (1826-38), during which he oversaw the complex production of his unwieldy masterpiece, “The Birds of America, ” This monumental work consists of 435 hand-colored, life-size prints of 497 bird species, made from engraved copper plates. They were printed on sheets measuring about 39 by 26 inches. The work contains slightly more than 700 North American bird species. The cost of printing the entire work was $115,640 (over $2,000,000 today), paid for from advance subscriptions, exhibitions, oil painting commissions, and animal skins, which Audubon hunted and sold. Audubon’s great work was a remarkable accomplishment. It took more than 12 years of field observations and drawings, plus his single-handed management and promotion of the project to make it a success. Despite bitter competition from the supporters of another ornithologist (George Ord) and long separations from his wife, Lucy, and their children, Audubon prevailed, meeting Sir Walter Scott and securing subscriptions from King George IV and other members of the royal family.
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