Description
Book SynopsisJohn James Audubon produced one of the greatest works of natural history and art of the nineteenth century, The Birds of America. As the record of the interior story of the making of this monumental work, his journal of 1826 is one of the richest documents in the history of American culture. This is the first accurate transcription of Audubon's 1826 journal.
Trade Review"Now, nearly 200 years later, Audubon is in fact "here, there and all over the Globe." And we are very lucky indeed to have a definitive transcription of the document that describes how that happened."—Anthony Doerr,
Boston Globe“Thanks to [this] new edition of the personal diary he kept during the voyage [to England], for the first time we are able to enter to some degree into Audubon’s thoughts and feelings during that stressful year [of 1826]”—Robert O. Paxton,
New York Review of Books "Patterson strives to be faithful to the original manuscript, preserving Audubon's original writing and style except where it would lead to misunderstanding. This fidelity allows Audubon's own voice to finally emerge and provides a fascinating look at his interests, drives, and opinions."—C.T. Brundy,
Choice“Audubon’s 1826 journal is one of the few surviving portions of his extensive journals, and a new, scholarly, and correct transcription is a welcome contribution and will become the standard for Audubon scholars and fans alike.”—Ron Tyler, director of the Amon Carter Museum and author of
Audubon’s Great National Work: The Royal Octavo Edition of The Birds of America
“This volume is all the more important because it deals specifically with the creation of his masterpiece, Birds of America‚ one of the most cherished books ever produced. This edition corrects many of the errors found in earlier published versions.” –
Library Journal "The adventure would continue to unroll after Dec. 31, 1826, when this journal ends, but when Audubon signs off that night, he leaves us feeling that we have accompanied him in the achievement of a masterpiece."—James M. Keller,
PasatiempoTable of ContentsList of Illustrations
Foreword
John R. Knott
Acknowledgments
Introduction: The History and Significance of Audubon's Journal of 1826
Editorial Principles and Procedures
List of Abbreviations and Symbols
1. Departure from Bayou Sara and New Orleans; Voyage to Liverpool
2. Liverpool
3. Manchester
4. Return to Liverpool
5. Return to Manchester and Travel to Matlock and Bakewell
6. Edinburgh
Appendix A: A Page from Audubon's 1828 Journal
Appendix B: Letters of Introduction Copied into the 1826 Journal
Appendix C: Front Matter in the Manuscript of the 1826 Journal
Textual Notes
Index
