Avian Aesthetics in Literature and Culture: Birds and Humans in the Popular Imagination

Avian Aesthetics in Literature and Culture brings together ornithological and humanities knowledge to explore bird-centered topics in animal studies, challenging species centrism and advancing a biodiverse ontology.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2023
Publisher: Lexington Books

Avian Aesthetics in Literature and Culture: Birds and Humans in the Popular Imagination is a groundbreaking work that brings together ornithology and humanities knowledge, bridging the gap between these two fields. This comprehensive book offers fifteen innovative essays that explore diverse perspectives and methodologies to incorporate birds into current discussions within the animal studies realm. By challenging species centrism and advancing a biodiverse ontology, this collection embraces a wide range of bird-centered topics, including gaming, comic strips, window collisions, conservation literature, youth birding, mourning theory, and the "Birds Aren't Real" movement.

The essays in Avian Aesthetics in Literature and Culture delve into various aspects of birds and their relationship with humans. They examine how birds have been depicted and interpreted in literature, art, and popular culture throughout history, highlighting their symbolic significance and cultural importance. The authors analyze how birds are used as metaphors, symbols, and motifs in literature, exploring themes such as freedom, beauty, mortality, and the natural world. They also explore the role of birds in human imagination and folklore, examining how they have been portrayed as creatures of magic, mystery, and wisdom.

One of the key themes of the book is the idea of bird-centered topics. The authors argue that birds should be considered as subjects of study in their own right, rather than being solely viewed as objects of interest or conservation concerns. They explore how birds can be used to address issues such as biodiversity, environmental sustainability, and human well-being. For example, the essay "Gaming with Birds: The Ecological Implications of Avian Representation in Video Games" examines how birds are used as characters and symbols in video games, exploring how these representations can influence player behavior and attitudes towards the natural world.

Another important theme of the book is the idea of a biodiverse ontology. The authors argue that a bird-centered approach to understanding the natural world can provide a more holistic and inclusive understanding of the environment. They explore how birds can be used as indicators of environmental health and sustainability, and how their presence or absence can signal changes in ecosystems. For example, the essay "Window Collisions: A Bird-Centered Perspective on Urban Wildlife" examines how window collisions between birds and buildings can impact bird populations and the urban environment, highlighting the need for bird-friendly design and conservation efforts.

Avian Aesthetics in Literature and Culture also addresses the "Birds Aren't Real" movement, which challenges the existence of birds as living creatures. The authors argue that this movement is not only harmful to bird conservation but also to human understanding of the natural world. They explore how the movement has influenced popular culture and how it has challenged traditional beliefs and assumptions about birds. For example, the essay "Mourning Theory and the Avian Image" examines how the mourning process and the image of birds can be used to understand human emotions and relationships with the natural world.

In conclusion, Avian Aesthetics in Literature and Culture: Birds and Humans in the Popular Imagination is a groundbreaking work that offers a fresh and innovative perspective on the relationship between birds and humans. By challenging species centrism and advancing a biodiverse ontology, this collection embraces a wide range of bird-centered topics and promotes a deeper understanding of the natural world. The essays in this book are insightful, thought-provoking, and accessible to a wide audience, making it an essential resource for scholars, researchers, and anyone interested in the intersection of literature, culture, and birds.

Weight: 435g
Dimension: 230 x 153 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666901832