This classic and widely influential work brings together the talents of the greatest American ornithologist of his generation (Coues), a pioneering nature writer/editor/ornithologist (Wright), and a young artist whose contribution to the American tradition of bird illustration proved to be second only to Audubon's own (Fuertes); this book features the first substantial body of his work. Directed at the general public, especially children, and written in an entertaining and fanciful fiction style, the work imparts solid scientific knowledge while inculcating conservation values. It exemplifies the extensive literature of popular yet scientifically-grounded ornithology which nurtured the national passion for birds in this era, thereby fostering some of conservationism's most vital and widespread grass roots. Women were particularly well-represented in this literature, often--like Wright--combining literary gifts with serious scientific knowledge (Wright was elected to membership in the American Ornithologists' Union) to bridge the widening gap between professional science and amateur nature-study, and often--as in this work--confirming contemporary expectations of gender roles by directing their writings particularly toward children.

"Citizen Bird: Scenes from Bird-Life in Plain English for Beginners" is a novel dedicated to birds, giving descriptions of various species, and told through the story of a young boy. Nat, who goes to visit a scientist, is curious about birds and desires to know more about them. The scientist, a naturalist, is only too willing to share his knowledge with the lad. Meanwhile, the birds outside are having conversations among themselves about the humans and the possible threat they pose towards the birds...

The Expeditions of Zebulon Montgomery Pike, meticulously edited by Elliott Coues, presents a critical anthology that consists of an intricate tapestry of exploration, endurance, and scholarly pursuit. Within its pages, readers will find a rich array of documentation and commentary on the early 19th-century expeditions led by Pike. The collection transcends mere historical documentation; it embodies a literary journey that explores the myriad ways in which these explorations contributed to the nascent American identity and the expansion westward. The anthologys diverse literary styles, from diaries to letters, enrich its historical depth and provide a panoramic view of American exploration narratives, making it a significant contribution to the field of American Studies. The backgrounds of Coues and Pike, as well as the other contributors reflected in the various documents and analyses within the volume, span a vast spectrum of early American life, military expedition, and scholarly rigor. Coues, an eminent historian and ornithologist, brings a unique scholarly perspective to Pike's raw and unfiltered accounts of the American frontier. This convergence of perspectives deeply enriches the anthology's exploration of themes like sovereignty, survival, and the human relationship with untamed landscapes. The collection aligns with and contributes to the understanding of American expansionism and the early republic's exploratory fervor, showcasing how these varied voices and narratives coalesce to chart the contours of Americas westward expansion. This anthology is recommended for readers seeking to immerse themselves in the depths of Americas exploratory saga, offered through a blend of firsthand expedition accounts and scholarly analysis. The Expeditions of Zebulon Montgomery Pike offers a unique opportunity to explore the multifaceted challenges and triumphs of early American explorers, through a lens that is both panoramic and penetrative. It invites readers not only to witness but to critically engage with the narratives of persistence, ambition, and the forging of a national identity in the rugged terrains of early America. For scholars, students, and enthusiasts of American history and literature, this collection serves as an indispensable resource that fosters a deeper understanding of the American spirit.

In Bird Songs, ornithologist Les Beletsky profiles 250 birds alongside colorful illustrations, and includes a digital audio player that provides the corresponding song for each of the 250 birds. Drawing from the collection of the world-renowned Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Bird Songs presents the most notable North American birds—including the rediscovered ivory-billed woodpecker—in a stunning format. Renowned ornithologist Les Beletsky provides a succinct description of each of the 250 birds profiled, with an emphasis on their distinctive songs. Lavish full-color illustrations accompany each account, while a sleek, built-in digital audio player holds 250 corresponding songs and calls. In his foreword, North American bird expert and distinguished natural historian Jon L. Dunn shares insights gained from a lifetime of passionate study. Complete with the most up-to-date and scientifically accurate information, Bird Songs is the first book to capture the enchantment of these beautiful birds in words, pictures, and song.

Reproduction of the original: Citizen Bird by Mabel Osgood Wright, Elliott Coues