John James Audubon: The Nature of the American Woodsman

John James Audubon's "The Birds of America" is a masterpiece of American art that showcases nature dramatically on the page. Gregory Nobles reveals that Audubon's greatest creation was himself, a self-made man who sought status with the gentlemen of science and embraced the ornithology of ordinary people. Nobles argues that we cannot take all of Audubon's stories literally, but we must take them seriously to come to terms with the central irony of his true nature.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 18 October 2022
Publisher: University of Pennsylvania Press

John James Audubon's masterpiece, "The Birds of America," is a monumental work that showcases nature in a dramatic and captivating manner. It not only established Audubon as one of the most celebrated artists of his time but also as America's first celebrity scientist. In this innovative approach to Audubon's art and science, Gregory Nobles reveals that Audubon's greatest creation was himself. Audubon, a self-made man, tirelessly pursued success in American society, becoming a skilled painter, a successful entrepreneur, and a prolific writer. He sought recognition from the scientific elite on both sides of the Atlantic, but he also embraced the ornithology of ordinary people. In his quest for fame, Audubon crafted a bold and masculine identity as the American Woodsman, a larger-than-life symbol of the new nation. Nobles delves into Audubon's stories, some of which are embellished with evasions and lies. He argues that while we cannot take all of Audubon's stories literally, we must take them seriously. By doing so, we come to terms with the central irony of Audubon's true nature: the man who dedicated so much time and effort to depicting birds accurately left us with a deceptive picture of himself.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781512823714