Avian Illuminations: A Cultural History of Birds (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781789144321)

An exquisitely illustrated journey through the complex and crucial relationship between humans and birds.

Avian Illuminations examines the many roles birds have played in human society, from food, messengers, deities, and pets, to omens, muses, timekeepers, custodians, hunting companions, decorative motifs, and, most importantly, embodiments of our aspirations. Boria Sax narrates the history of our relationships with a host of bird species, including crows, owls, parrots, falcons, eagles, nightingales, hummingbirds, and many more. Along the way, Sax describes how birds' nesting has symbolized human romance, how their flight has inspired inventors throughout history, and he concludes by showing that the interconnections between birds and humans are so manifold that a world without birds would effectively mean an end to human culture itself. Beautifully illustrated, Avian Illuminations is a superb overview of humanity's long and rich association with our avian companions.

Author: Boria Sax
ISBN-10: 1789144329
ISBN-13: 9781789144321
Publisher: Reaktion Books
Language: English
Published: 12/21/2021
Pages: 456
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 2.55lbs
Size: 9.30h x 6.20w x 1.20d

Review Citation(s):
Foreword 10/26/2021
Choice 08/01/2022