The Ruling Passion of John Gould

Book excerpt: 'Thoroughly absorbing.' The New Yorker 'A marvellous account' Sunday Telegraph This vibrant, fascinating account of Britain's most eminent bird illustrator was first published to wonderful reviews over a decade ago. Beautifully repackaged as a classic biography of one of our most extraordinary Victorians, The Bird Man, by acclaimed writer Isabella Tree, will captivate a new audience. John Gould was a genius and a cad. His volume of work eclipsed his American counter part Audubon in accuracy and artistic value. But John Gould's work was the result of sacrifice and alienation. Through the unacknowledged loyalty and handiwork of his wife, and many other artists, in particular one young fellow called Edward Lear, Gould cemented his reputation as the first gentleman of birds. Isabella Tree's lively biography reveals a story of discovery, ambition and betrayal - touching on some of the greatest wonders of the Victorian era, from the arrival of the first giraffe in London to Gould's crucial role in Darwin's theory of natural selection.