Drawn From Paradise: The Discovery, Art and Natural History of the Birds of Paradise

Description

Drawn from Paradise is David Attenborough's journey through the cultural history of the birds of paradise, one of the most exquisite and extravagant, colourful and intriguing families of birds. From the moment they were introduced to the European mind in the early sixteenth century, their unique beauty was recognised and commemorated in the first name that they were given - birds so beautiful must be birds from paradise. In this unique exploration of a truly awe-inspiring family of birds which to this day is still shrouded in mystery, David Attenborough and Errol Fuller trace the natural history of these enigmatic birds through their depiction in western works of art throughout the centuries, featuring beautiful illustrations by such luminary artists as Jacques Barraband, William Hart, John Gould, Rubens and Breughel, to name but a few. Experienced ornithologists and general nature and art enthusiasts alike will delight in this journey of discovery of the world's most beautiful and mysterious birds.

Errol Fuller is a painter of sporting subjects, particularly boxing, who lives in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. His interest in the curiosities of natural history has resulted in three other books, The Lost Birds of Paradise, The Great Auk and Extinct Birds. David Attenborough is known worldwide. During his 50 years in broadcasting, he has written 15 books and made 18 natural history documentaries, with regular audiences of 5 -6 million.

'The book is as sumptuous as the birds themselves, a celebration of birds that have haunted the human imagination for half a millennium.' Simon Barnes, The Times 'Brilliant' Guardian 'A worthy inheritor of Alistair Cooke' Telegraph 'The nation's favourite wildlife broadcaster' The Times