Custodian: University of Glasgow Library Special Collections

Reference: Sp Coll Hunterian Cd.1.1-4

This truly monumental work was published in eighty-seven parts between 1827 and 1838. Consisting of 435 plates in all, its huge format was dictated by Audubon's determination to depict life size all the known species of birds in North America. Born in the West Indies, Audubon was educated in France and early developed a taste for natural history and drawing; he moved to America in 1803. Although lacking formal artistic training, he studied birds in real life and built up his portfolio of brilliant drawings over a twenty year period.

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