Overview

This book explores the life of Henry Dresser (1838-1915), one of the most productive British ornithologists of the mid-late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, and is largely based on previously unpublished archival material. Dresser travelled widely and spent time in Texas during the American Civil War. He built enormous collections of skins and eggs of birds from Europe, North America and Asia, which formed the basis of over 100 publications, including some of the finest bird books of the late nineteenth century. Dresser was a leading figure in scientific society and in the early bird conservation movement; his correspondence and diaries reveal the inner workings, motivations, personal relationships and rivalries that existed among the leading ornithologists. -- .

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9781784994136

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Reviews

'This is a magnificent exploration of (British) Victorianornithology, which brings to life many of the key figures of the period withtheir frequently very strained relationships.' Alan Knox, British Birds l l l , January 2018 -- .

'This is a magnificent exploration of (British) Victorianornithology, which brings to life many of the key figures of the period withtheir frequently very strained relationships.' Alan Knox, British Birds l l l , January 2018 'The title (and concept behind the title) promises exciting and entertaining reading.' 'A book with a strong central plot/thread. A look at the past with relevance to the future. Definitely worth a read.' Karl Schulze-Hagen, Vogelwarte 'Historians and scientists will find the book engaging, and Manchester University Press has done an impressive job of reproducing an enormous number of illustrations and plates (including some beautiful colour ones).' Paul Lawrence Farber, Annals of Science, January 2018 'The book itself is comprehensive but remains eminently readable, and as such it constitutes an important addition to the history of ornithology.' Peter Lack, British Trust for Ornithology 'Henry Dresser was one of the leading ornithologists in Britain during the latter half of the 19th century and the early 20th. In this book, Henry McGhie has drawn on previously unpublished diaries, letters and photographs held in Manchester Museum and archives held elsewhere, and written a vivid and comprehensive biography of this key figure . This is an informative, entertaining and generously illustrated book, representing excellent value.' Bob McGowan, Scottish Birds -- .

'This is a magnificent exploration of (British) Victorianornithology, which brings to life many of the key figures of the period withtheir frequently very strained relationships.' Alan Knox, British Birds l l l , January 2018 'The title (and concept behind the title) promises exciting and entertaining reading.' 'A book with a strong central plot/thread. A look at the past with relevance to the future. Definitely worth a read.' Karl Schulze-Hagen, Vogelwarte 'Historians and scientists will find the book engaging, and Manchester University Press has done an impressive job of reproducing an enormous number of illustrations and plates (including some beautiful colour ones).' Paul Lawrence Farber, Annals of Science, January 2018 -- .

Author Information

Henry A. McGhie is Head of Collections and Curator of Zoology at Manchester Museum, the University of Manchester

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