Birdsong, Speech and Poetry: The Art of Composition in the Long Nineteenth Century

Scientists have discovered that birds and children learn to sing and speak in similar ways, which has led to new insights into the Romantic and Victorian periods' poetry about birdsong. Francesca Mackenney's book explores how poets responded to this analogy, challenging cultural assumptions about language and what it means to be human.

Format: Hardback
Length: 250 pages
Publication date: 22 September 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Scientists have uncovered fascinating parallels between the way birds acquire their singing abilities and the process by which children acquire language skills during the long nineteenth century. Tracing the evolution of bird song science from the pioneering experiments of Daines Barrington to the evolutionary theories of Charles Darwin, Francesca Mackenney unveils a rich legacy of thought that not only informs but also offers fresh perspectives on a canonical group of poems about birdsong in the Romantic and Victorian eras.

In particular, her book delves into how poets responded to an analogy that challenged traditional definitions of language and, consequently, what it means to be human. By bringing together responses to birdsong from the fields of science, music, and poetry, Mackenney employs a distinctive interdisciplinary approach that challenges many of the long-standing cultural assumptions that have shaped (and continue to shape) our interactions with other creatures in the Anthropocene.

Through her meticulous research and insightful analysis, Mackenney sheds light on the ways in which poets of the Romantic and Victorian periods were inspired by the natural world, particularly by the songs of birds. She explores how these poets used bird song as a metaphor for human emotions, experiences, and the complexities of the human condition, creating a rich tapestry of literary works that continue to resonate with readers today.

One of the key themes that emerges from Mackenney's book is the idea of language as a means of connection and communication between humans and other creatures. She argues that the analogy between birdsong and language challenged traditional notions of human superiority and emphasized the shared vulnerabilities and complexities of all living beings. By exploring the ways in which poets responded to this analogy, Mackenney offers a powerful critique of the cultural assumptions that have led to human-centric views of the natural world and encourages a more empathetic and inclusive approach to our interactions with other species.

Another important aspect of Mackenney's book is its exploration of the role of music in shaping our understanding of birdsong and the natural world. She argues that the musicality of bird song has been overlooked in traditional scientific studies and that music can provide a unique lens through which to interpret and appreciate the complexities of bird behavior and communication. By combining insights from science, music, and poetry, Mackenney creates a rich interdisciplinary dialogue that challenges our assumptions about the relationship between humans and the natural world and opens up new avenues for understanding and appreciation.

In conclusion, Francesca Mackenney's book "The Science of Birdsong: A Legacy of Thought in Romantic and Victorian Poetry" is a groundbreaking work that offers fresh insights into the relationship between birdsong and language, as well as the broader cultural assumptions that have shaped our interactions with other creatures in the Anthropocene. Through her interdisciplinary approach and meticulous research, Mackenney challenges our assumptions about language, nature, and the human condition and encourages us to adopt a more empathetic and inclusive perspective on our place in the natural world. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of science, literature, and culture, and its insights will continue to inspire and inform future generations.

Weight: 513g
ISBN-13: 9781316513712