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The Natural History of Edward Lear, New Edition

By Robert McCracken Peck
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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 Natural History of Edward Lear, New Edition explores the dual talents of Edward Lear, celebrated for his whimsical limericks and nonsense verse, and his lesser-known legacy as a masterful natural-history artist. This edition showcases over 200 of Lear's exquisite illustrations of birds, mammals, plants, and landscapes, highlighting his creativity, extensive travels, and significant role in scientific art during the 19th century. Featuring a foreword by David Attenborough, a new chapter on Lear's interest in pets, and previously unpublished artwork, it offers fresh insights into an artist who influenced both literature and visual art.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$7000

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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?

This book is ideal for readers interested in art, natural history illustration, and 19th-century cultural history, as well as fans of Edward Lear's literary work.

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Edward Lear, known as an author of nonsense verse, was also an artist and natural history illustrator.

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

Edward Lear (1812–1888) is best known today for his witty limericks and endearing nonsense verse. But the celebrated author of The Owl and the Pussy-Cat also created some of the most stunning paintings of birds and mammals during an age when many species were just being discovered and brought to private menageries and zoos throughout Europe.

The Natural History of Edward Lear, New Edition brings together more than 200 of Lear's strikingly beautiful illustrations of animals, plants, and landscapes. Robert McCracken Peck sheds light on Lear's astounding creativity, productivity, and success as an artist. He discusses Lear's humour, extensive travels, and important place in the history of science, and shows how Lear influenced other artists from Beatrix Potter and Maurice Sendak to James Prosek and Walton Ford.

With a foreword by David Attenborough, a new chapter discussing Lear's interest in pets, and never-before-published illustrations by Lear, this new edition offers invaluable perspectives on a beloved writer who was also one of the greatest natural-history artists of all time.

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?

Praised for revealing Lear's exceptional skill in animal portraiture, the book is described as an essential reference for understanding his artistic life. Reviewers commend Robert McCracken Peck's engaging narrative, emphasising Lear's unique contributions to art and literature and his continuing influence on cultural figures. It is highly recommended by sources including Globe and Mail, Archives of Natural History, and Wilson Journal of Ornithology.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780691217239

Publisher: Princeton University Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 13 April 2021

Country: United States

Imprint: Princeton University Press

Illustration: 215 color illus.

Contributors:

  • Foreword by David Attenborough

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 178.0mm

Height: 254.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 240

Collections

Arts & Culture Non-Fiction Robert McCracken Peck Science & Nature

About the Author

Robert McCracken Peck is senior fellow and curator of art and artifacts at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. His many books include Specimens of Hair: The Curious Collection of Peter A. Browne and Headhunters and Hummingbirds: An Expedition into Ecuador. He lives in Philadelphia.

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