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The Birdman's Wife

By Melissa Ashley
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3.63 goodreads logo

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Check link for latest rating. ( 1,839 ratings, 290 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Birdman's Wife by Melissa Ashley is a captivating historical fiction novel that delves into the life of Elizabeth Gould, the wife of a renowned ornithologist, John Gould. Set in 19th-century England, the story explores her journey from a supportive partner to a talented artist in her own right, illustrating the challenges and triumphs of her creative endeavors amidst the social constraints of the time. The book beautifully marries art with natural history, showcasing Elizabeth's significant yet often overlooked contributions.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this historical fiction tale if you're fascinated by stories that illuminate the life of unsung women in history. Through vivid storytelling, it delves into the world of Elizabeth Gould, a talented naturalist and illustrator, capturing her contributions and challenges in the 19th-century scientific community alongside her husband, John Gould.

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With over 24,000 copies sold on Bookscan, this multi-award winning novel, and indelible portrait of an incredible woman is now available in a gorgeous B format paperback.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A woman overshadowed by history steps back into the light . . .

Artist Elizabeth Gould spent her life capturing the sublime beauty of birds the world had never seen before, but her legacy was eclipsed by the fame of her husband, John Gould. Now, The Birdman's Wife at last gives voice to a passionate and adventurous spirit, who was so much more than the woman behind the man.

In England's golden age of discovery, as John Gould and his peers fuelled popular imagination with their scientific findings, Elizabeth deftly navigated a world that few women were permitted to enter. Juggling an artistic life with her roles as wife, lover, helpmate and mother, she breathed wondrous life into hundreds of exotic new species. A woman ahead of her time, she continually defied convention, eventually embarking on a trailblazing expedition to collect and illustrate Australia's 'curious' birdlife.

The Birdman's Wife is a multi-award winning novel, and an indelible portrait of an incredible woman.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Birdman's Wife by Melissa Ashley is often praised for its blend of historical detail and vivid storytelling, bringing to life the little-known story of natural history artist Elizabeth Gould. Reviewers commend its engaging prose and the deep exploration of Elizabeth's life and achievements, alongside the challenges faced as the wife of renowned ornithologist John Gould. The novel is lauded for beautifully capturing both the personal and the professional aspects of Elizabeth’s journey in the 19th century.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781925870077

Publisher: Affirm Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 29 January 2019

Country: Australia

Imprint: Affirm Press

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 29.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 350g

Pages: 276

Collections

Fiction General Fiction Historical Fiction Melissa Ashley

About the Author

Melissa Ashley is a writer, poet and academic who tutors in poetry and creative writing at the University of Queensland. She has published a collection of poems, The Hospital for Dolls, articles, essays and short stories. The Birdman's Wife is her first novel.

As part of her research to write her PhD dissertation on Elizabeth Gould, Melissa became a taxidermy volunteer at the Queensland Museum. She's also a passionate amateur 'twitcher'.

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