Description
Book SynopsisIn John James Audubon: The Nature of the American Woodsman, Gregory Nobles shows that one of Audubon's greatest creations was himself. Nobles explores the central irony of Audubon's true nature: the man who took so much time and trouble to depict birds so carefully left us a bold but deceptive picture of himself.
Trade ReviewGregory Nobles illuminates different sides of the indefatigable explorer’s personality, actions, and life. As Audubon joined his adopted country in some of the shameful aspects of its history, he also embodied much of its good: hope, perseverance, and democratic values—for whites, anyway. Despite Audubon’s contradictions, we can still admire him for his relentless quest to document the feathered residents of North America. * American Birding Association *
Historian Gregory Nobles explicates the man in all his complexity. . . . Deftly dissecting the multifaceted life of the Frenchman who came to embody the American pioneer more than any natural-born citizen, Nobles balances fresh anecdotes with skepticism [and] delivers a captivating portrait of a self-taught, self-made man who out of passion to paint America's birds illustrated a country ripe with possibilities. *
American History *
Nobles’s John James Audubon, beautifully produced by the University of Pennsylvania Press . . . delivers, competently and fluently, what its subtitle promises—an investigation of Audubon’s personal brand, the ‘American Woodsman.' * American Historical Review *
Nobles . . . skillfully provides a readable account of this self-proclaimed ‘American woodsman.’ The author deems Audubon ‘America’s first celebrity scientist,’ who went to great lengths to promote himself as an artist, an entrepreneur, and a ‘gentleman of science.’ * Choice *
This welcome new contribution to Audubon studies moves us several steps forward. . . . Nobles’s thorough contextualization and discussion of the evidence render his argument persuasive and original in its depth and thoroughness. * Early American Literature *
The ten chapters of this excellent book review the life and times of John James Audubon in a refreshingly honest manner, detailing Audubon’s development as a brilliant bird artist and scientist and, most importantly, his careful creation of an image of himself as an ‘American woodsman.’ There have ben many biographies of Audubon, but this one is unique in its in-depth discussion of Audubon’s character and his lifelong attempt to become a greater national figure and bird artist than his predecessor, Alexander Wilson…A very informative and delightful read. [Recommended] to anyone with an interest in art, nature, or American history. * Pennsylvania Heritage *
More than a century and a half after his death, John James Audubon-flamboyant, intense, garrulous, insecure, and yet gifted beyond measure-remains one of the most compelling figures in American history. In this fine new biography, Gregory Nobles brings 'the American Woodsman' back to full, vivid life, capturing the artist's many facets as Audubon himself captured the essence of his beloved birds. * Scott Weidensaul, author of
Of a Feather: A Brief History of American Birding *
Compulsively readable and fascinating. Gregory Nobles's bottom-to-top assessment of the entire tableau of Audubon lore is terrific. * Daniel Lewis, author of
The Feathery Tribe: Robert Ridgway and the Modern Study of Birds *
An elegant book that adroitly weaves together a portrait of a man of genius and an account of the cultural and economic worlds in which he worked. * Ann Fabian, author of
The Skull Collectors: Race, Science, and America's Unburied Dead *
Table of ContentsIntroduction. Creating Art, Science, and Self Chapter 1. Becoming Audubon, Becoming American Chapter 2. Hearing Birds, Heeding Their Call Chapter 3. Making an Odyssey for Art and Ornithology Chapter 4. Going into Business with The Birds of America Chapter 5. Struggling for Status in Science Chapter 6. Suffering for Science as the "American Woodsman" Chapter 7. Putting People into the Picture Chapter 8. Exploring the Ornithology of Ordinary People Chapter 9. Forging a Legacy, Finding a Discipline Chapter 10. Bringing Audubon Back to Life Notes Index Acknowledgments
