Mr and Mrs Gould

The grand story of the famous 'Birdman' John Gould and his talented wife Elizabeth, who revealed the astonishing world of Australian birds and wildlife in one of the most important naturalist expeditions in history – from the bestselling author of Sister Viv, Flinders, Banks, Mrs Kelly and The Remarkable Mrs Reibey.

Longlisted for the Indie Book Awards 2025

John and Elizabeth Gould sailed into Australia on a cold spring day in 1838 prepared for the most astonishing adventure of their lives. They had crossed three oceans from their London home to find the treasures of Australia's birdlife and showcase them to the outside world.

Elizabeth had fallen pregnant for the seventh time at just 34, and there would be little rest for her in illustrating her husband's exquisite books that had made him England's celebrated 'Bird Man', and a force of nature in both science and publishing. Elizabeth had always worked in his shadow, but perhaps with his new book The Birds of Australia she would finally receive the deserved acclaim for her work.

Gould had studied birds from the Galapagos Islands and helped Charles Darwin expound his controversial theory of evolution by natural selection. In Australia, with the help of Aboriginal guides, he would gaze upon a vast array of Australian wildlife which would generate huge praise and profits.

The Birds of Australia would become a landmark publication and cement the reputation of the husband and wife team forever, but tragically it was one that Elizabeth would never see. This rollicking story of the astute Gould and his brilliant wife brings Elizabeth and her extraordinary talent to life – the woman behind the man and his fame – as well as the incredible array of Australian birds and wildlife that astonished the world.