John James Audubon roams the American wilderness with relentless energy, traveling from Pennsylvania to Texas and Florida to Labrador in pursuit of birds. His passion drives him through frontier dangers while he sketches and studies the species he encounters. The naturalist artist faces both the perils of untamed landscapes and the criticisms of civilized society. His wife Lucy remains steadfast through his long absences and obsessive dedication to his work. Audubon's humor and self awareness sustain him as he battles slander and navigates flattery from those who would exploit his growing reputation. His courage serves him equally against wild animals and social pressures. From youth until death, his singular focus never wavers. Constance Rourke draws on her expertise in American frontier life and folklore to craft this portrait of the celebrated naturalist, capturing both his artistic genius and his complex personality against the backdrop of a young nation's expanding wilderness.
Genres: biography, art, animals, 20th-century, american, adventure, 19th-century, american-history
Vibes: emotional-atmospheric, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: obsession, singular-focus
Setting: Florida, Labrador, Pennsylvania, Texas
Period: 19th-Century
Library Binding · Reprint Services Corporation