Pre-order
1
of
1
The Ornithologists' Library
The Books that Unlocked Our Knowledge of Birds
Series: Libri Historici
Brief Description
The Ornithologists' Library is a beautifully illustrated exploration of the most influential books in the study of birds. From the pioneering works of John James Audubon and Gilbert White to modern field guides and conservation manifestos, this book traces how key texts have shaped our understanding...
Read More
Format: Hardback
$6500
Unit price
/
Unavailable
Pre-order
Releases
20th
October 2026
(Approx. Date)
Pre-order "The Ornithologists' Library" now to secure your copy from our first shipment
Found a better price? Request a price match
The Ornithologists' Library
$6500
Unit price
/
Unavailable
The Ornithologists' Library is a beautifully illustrated exploration of the most influential books in the study of birds.
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
The Ornithologists' Library is a beautifully illustrated exploration of the most influential books in the study of birds. From the pioneering works of John James Audubon and Gilbert White to modern field guides and conservation manifestos, this book traces how key texts have shaped our understanding of avian life—and why they matter now more than ever.
At a time when bird populations are declining at an alarming rate due to habitat destruction, climate change, and human activity, this book highlights the role of literature in inspiring conservation action. By revisiting the groundbreaking works that deepened our appreciation of birds, we can better understand the urgency of protecting them today.
Arranged chronologically, each chapter focuses on landmark books in ornithology, providing historical context, key insights, and its impact on bird science and conservation. Stunning reproductions of original illustrations, book covers, and archival material will accompany engaging narratives. The book will also draw connections between past knowledge and today's conservation challenges, showing how these works continue to shape our efforts to protect bird species and their habitats.
Chronological journey from early manuscripts to modern classics. Biographical insights into the authors and their contributions to ornithology and conservation. High-quality illustrations of birds, book pages, and rare archival materials. Global perspective, covering both Western and non-Western contributions. Contemporary relevance, linking historical books to modern conservation efforts and challenges.
Birds are powerful indicators of environmental health, and their decline signals broader ecological crises. This book will appeal to bird enthusiasts, conservationists, historians of science, bibliophiles, and nature lovers. It offers a visually rich and intellectually engaging tribute to the literature of ornithology while emphasising the urgent need to preserve the natural world these books have documented for centuries.
Series: Libri Historici
View all-
The Botanists' Library
Discover a vast treasure trove of botanical knowledge in The Botanist's Library, a superbly illustrated collection of 300+ seminal books and illustrations from throughout history. From the earliest manuscripts penned by visionary naturalists to the modern tomes that continue to shape our understanding of the plant kingdom, this book is a testament to the tireless dedication of the world's greatest...Hardback$6500Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Pre-orderThe Ornithologists' Library
The Ornithologists' Library is a beautifully illustrated exploration of the most influential books in the study of birds. From the pioneering works of John James Audubon and Gilbert White to modern field guides and conservation manifestos, this book traces how key texts have shaped our understanding of avian life—and why they matter now more than ever. At a time when...Hardback$6500Unit price /UnavailableOut 20 Oct 2026Pre-order
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781805702245
Publisher: Quarto Publishing PLC
Format: Hardback
Date Published: 15 October 2026
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Ivy Press
Illustration: 314 images
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 24.0mm
Width: 196.0mm
Height: 235.0mm
Weight: 1070g
Pages: 272
About the Author
Charlie Bingham is a UK based nature writer and author of The Life Affirming Magic of Birds. After completing a degree in archaeology at the University of York, Charlie began to reconnect with nature in her mid 20's. She found that birds especially seemed to have the ability to help her through difficult times and made it her life's mission to share her love and passion with a wide audience. Charlie's passion for the natural world shines across her social media platforms and in her work as a digital communications specialist and event manager for nature based charities. Charlie has written for various platforms and publications including Conker Magazine, Bird Table, The Guardian and Bald Hiker.
Also by Charlie Bingham
View all-
The Life-Affirming Magic of Birds
Praise for The Life-Affirming Magic of Birds 'This deeply personal book is a delight for those who already value our feathered friends and is a perfect introduction for those who are new to birding.' CAROLINE QUENTIN - ACTOR, AUTHOR & PRESENTER 'Moving, informative, funny, evocative. Charlie's book will take you on a wonderful journey through the world of birds and...Hardback$3999Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Pre-orderThe Life-Affirming Magic of Birds
This deeply personal book is a delight for those who already value our feathered friends and is a perfect introduction for those who are new to birding. - Caroline Quentin A fresh, funny and deeply personal take on why birds matter, from an important new voice in nature writing. - Dr Stephen Moss Birdwatching is for everyone. Discover how simple,...Paperback$2799Unit price /UnavailableOut 29 Sep 2026Pre-order
More from Science & Nature
View all-
Murder Under the Mistletoe
BOOK 4 IN THE BESTSELLING CANON CLEMENT MYSTERY SERIES 'The best of the new cosy crime writers' Daily Telegraph 'You'll want to take a front row pew in Champton while this delicious series unfolds' Janice Hallett It is Christmas Day and at Champton Rectory, Canon Daniel Clement and his mother Audrey are joined by the residents and guests of the...Paperback$2799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
John and Paul
THE SUNDAY TIMES AND NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER LONGLISTED FOR THE BAILLIE GIFFORD PRIZE FOR NON-FICTION 'A triumph.' Deborah Levy, New Statesman 'Tremendous.' Alwyn Turner, The Times 'Revelatory.' Simon Schama, Financial Times 'The gold standard of Beatles books.' Anthony Quinn, Observer 'As enthralling and astonishing as their music.' Jon Dennis, Sunday Telegraph 'A masterpiece.' Dylan Jones, Evening Standard '[Ian Leslie]...Paperback$2800Elsewhere:$3299Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Raising Hare
THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES AND NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER SHORTLISTED FOR THE WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR NON-FICTION 2025 SHORTLISTED FOR WATERSTONES BOOK OF THE YEAR 2024 SHORTLISTED FOR THE HATCHARDS AND BIOGRAPHERS' CLUB FIRST BIOGRAPHY PRIZE A BOOK OF THE YEAR FOR THE HAY FESTIVAL, SUNDAY TIMES, THE TIMES, FINANCIAL TIMES, SPECTATOR AND iNEWS 'A beautiful book' - ANGELINA JOLIE 'I...Paperback$2400Elsewhere:$2799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
What If? 10th Anniversary Edition
CELEBRATING TEN YEARS OF THE MILLION-SELLING POP SCIENCE CLASSIC WITH A SPECIAL EDITION. THIS IS WHAT IF? . . . x10. THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER 'Nerd royalty' — BEN GOLDACRE 'Totally brilliant' — TIM HARFORD 'Required reading across the world' — NEW YORK TIMES From the creator of the wildly popular xkcd.com, experience hilarious and informative answers to important questions...Hardback$4200Elsewhere:$5000Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
The Anxious Generation
A powerful argument for reclaiming childhood—and all human relationships—from the online world, from the influential social psychologist and international bestselling author. Jonathan Haidt has spent his career speaking truth and wisdom in some of the most difficult spaces—communities polarised by politics and religion, campuses battling culture wars, and now the mental health emergency hitting teenagers today in many countries around...Paperback$2299Elsewhere:$3000Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Prisoners of Geography
Prisoners of Geography looks at the past, present, and future to offer crucial insights into one of the major factors that determine world history – because if you don’t know geography, you’ll never have the full picture. Originally published in 2015, this completely revised and updated edition brings it up to date with the events and trends of the past...Paperback$2899Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Booker PrizeOrbital
Winner of the Booker Prize 2024. Chair of the judges, Edmund de Waal, describes the winner as 'a book about a wounded world' adding that the panel's 'unanimity about Orbital recognises its beauty and ambition'. Life on our planet as you've never seen it before. A team of astronauts in the International Space Station collect meteorological data, conduct scientific experiments...Paperback$2200Elsewhere:$2600Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Diddly Squat: Home to Roost
It's been another memorable year on Diddly Squat Farm - will the chickens finally come home to roost? Welcome back to Clarkson's Farm. The spring crop failed. Farming sheep, pigs, and cows was hardly more lucrative (better off breeding ostriches...) But in the face of uncooperative weather, bureaucracy, and the world's persistent refusal to recognise his genius, our hero's not...Paperback$2600Elsewhere:$3000Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
The Place of Tides
To save the world, we have to start somewhere. One afternoon many years ago, James Rebanks met an old woman on a remote Norwegian island. She lived and worked alone on a tiny rocky outcrop, caring for wild ducks and gathering their down. Hers was a centuries-old trade that had once made men and women rich, but had long been...Paperback$3000Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Ultra-Processed People
Launching the runaway bestseller with ambitions to be the biggest non-fiction paperback of the year IT'S NOT YOU. IT'S THE FOOD. "If you only read one diet or nutrition book in your life, make it this one" - Bee Wilson "You've got to get this book in your life . . . Completely compelling . . . Read a page...Paperback$2500Elsewhere:$2800Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
The Island of Missing Trees
The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak is a captivating and poignant novel that delves into the intertwined lives of two star-crossed lovers in war-torn Cyprus and their enduring legacy decades later. This Sunday Times bestselling novel intricately weaves themes of love, loss, and identity amidst a backdrop of cultural and historical turmoil. Set in 1974 on the island...Paperback$2300Elsewhere:$2600Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Kitchen Confidential
The classic bestseller from the star of Parts Unknown and No Reservations: 25th Anniversary edition, with a new introduction by Irvine Welsh. BEFORE THERE WAS THE BEAR, THERE WAS BOURDAIN. ‘Elizabeth David written by Quentin Tarantino’ — A.A. Gill ‘Fantastic: as lip-smackingly seductive as a bowl of fat chips and pungent aioli’ — Daily Telegraph After twenty-five years of sex,...Paperback$2500Elsewhere:$2799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow
Why buy from us?
Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!
Service & Delivery
Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.
Auckland Bookstore
We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.
Our Gifting Service
Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.
