Avian Journal — Oliver Goldsmith 1825 History of Earth Animated Nature Picae Passeres Engravings Turquoise

Carry the spirit of 19th-century natural history — where Oliver Goldsmith's 1825 A History of the Earth and Animated Nature celebrates avian diversity through hand-colored engravings and encyclopedic ornithology.

This hardcover journal celebrates 19th-century ornithology through Oliver Goldsmith's renowned A History of the Earth and Animated Nature, published in 1825. One of the most popular natural history series of its era, Goldsmith's work featured engravings re-engraved by F.P. Becker and R. Scott, based on illustrators like Sydenham Edwards, combining scientific accuracy with artistic beauty. The front cover features a plate illustrating orders Picae (climbing birds) and Passeres (perching birds) — Red Wattlebird, Tui, Cape Sugarbird, Eurasian Hoopoe, and Common Bee-eater — presented against a contemporary turquoise background. The back cover presents a mixed species plate: Golden Oriole, Hummingbird, Whidaw Bunting, Baltimore Oriole, Broad Crested Cockatoo, Golden Crested Wren, Penduline Titmouse, Crossbill, Hoopoe, Green Toucan, Giant Kingfisher, and Alexandrine Parakeet.

Front Cover — Oliver Goldsmith & 19th-Century Ornithology: Goldsmith's 1825 edition represents a landmark in natural history publishing. The grouping of multiple distinct species onto single sheets was a hallmark of 19th-century encyclopedic volumes, designed to provide maximum information in a single viewing. The engravings documented climbing birds (Picae) and perching birds (Passeres), including exotic species like bee-eaters, hoopoes, sugarbirds, and wattlebirds. This comprehensive approach made Goldsmith's work one of the most popular natural history series of its era, serving both scientific and educational purposes for ornithologists and naturalists across Europe.

Back Cover — Exotic Avian Diversity: The back cover plate groups 12 distinct species spanning continents and habitats — from the iridescent Hummingbird of the Americas to the Green Toucan of tropical forests, the Giant Kingfisher of African rivers, and the Alexandrine Parakeet of South Asia. The contemporary turquoise background transforms these Victorian engravings into a vibrant modern composition, celebrating both historical ornithology and artistic reinterpretation.

Why This Journal Inspires:

• Oliver Goldsmith's 1825 A History of the Earth and Animated Nature hand-colored engravings
• 17 avian species: Hoopoe, Bee-eater, Sugarbird, Wattlebird, Tui, Oriole, Hummingbird, Cockatoo, Toucan, Kingfisher, Parakeet
• 19th-century encyclopedic ornithology celebrating Picae and Passeres orders
• Contemporary turquoise background celebrating historical natural history with modern artistic interpretation

Product Details:

• Format: Hardcover lined journal
• Pages: 150 perforated lined pages (75 sheets) for easy removal
• Binding: Casewrap sewn binding that opens flat
• Dimensions: 5.5 × 8.5 inches
• Weight: Approximately 400g
• Cover: Matte laminated full-wrap print on turquoise background

Perfect For:

• Birders documenting exotic species sightings and ornithological observations
• Natural history enthusiasts celebrating Oliver Goldsmith's encyclopedic legacy
• Ornithology students studying Picae and Passeres orders and 19th-century classification
• Victorian science admirers appreciating Sydenham Edwards' illustration heritage
• Gift for bird lovers, natural history collectors, and encyclopedic ornithology admirers
• Nature journalers celebrating climbing birds, perching birds, and avian diversity

Carry the legacy of 19th-century natural history — where Oliver Goldsmith's 1825 engravings transform avian diversity into timeless hand-colored artistry celebrating encyclopedic ornithology and contemporary artistic interpretation.

EU representative: HONSON VENTURES LIMITED, gpsr@honsonventures.com, 3, Gnaftis House flat 102, Limassol, Mesa Geitonia, 4003, CY
Product information: Generic brand, 2 year warranty in EU and Northern Ireland as per Directive 1999/44/EC
Care instructions: Use a soft, clean and dry cloth to gently brush any dust or dirt off from the center of book outwards.