John Cantelo
Well-known member
Best Bird Book of the Year 2004
For the obvious reason that I'm UK based and know little of what's been published elsewhere, I've limited my selection to British/European books. I'm also conscious of a certain bias towards social/historical books; all these weighty books on bird families are getting a bit boring! I've limited myself to five books and hence one worthy tome has slipped from view. So, in order, my best books would be -
1 - Beguiled by Birds - Ian Wallace
The author's delightful atmospheric drawings instantly put this book in the frame. The unique insight that "DIMW" brings to topic lifts the book still further (despite a sometimes convoluted & baroque writing style). Simply a 'must read' from a superb 'field birder'.
2 - How to be a Bad Birdwatcher - Simon Barnes
One thing that Simon Barnes demonstrates in this book is that he's not only a very good birdwatcher, but also a gifted writer and astute observer. Arguably it's the most important book listed as it addresses not only committed birders', but all those 'dudes' without whom we wouldn't have the clout we need.
3 - A Bird in The Bush: A Social History of Birdwatching - Stephen Moss
The book's easy and pleasant style belies the degree of genuine scholarship that must have gone into it. A great source of understanding of why and how we got to this point.
4 - HBW - Vol. IX
OK this one ought to win every year it's published, but we've got to give the other guys a chance.
5 - Woodpeckers of Europe - Gerald Gorman.
A nice chatty style and an easy read, but still packed full of information. Stunningly attractive plates. Thank goodness it's not written in the current dense, fact heavy style.
Yes, leaving out the 'Gulls of Europe, Asia & North America' by Olsen & Larsson wasn't an oversight. It's a great book, but the woodpeckers book just pips it into 5th place.
Oops I've just noticed that I typed 2005 in the heading whereas I actually meant the past year - 2004! John
For the obvious reason that I'm UK based and know little of what's been published elsewhere, I've limited my selection to British/European books. I'm also conscious of a certain bias towards social/historical books; all these weighty books on bird families are getting a bit boring! I've limited myself to five books and hence one worthy tome has slipped from view. So, in order, my best books would be -
1 - Beguiled by Birds - Ian Wallace
The author's delightful atmospheric drawings instantly put this book in the frame. The unique insight that "DIMW" brings to topic lifts the book still further (despite a sometimes convoluted & baroque writing style). Simply a 'must read' from a superb 'field birder'.
2 - How to be a Bad Birdwatcher - Simon Barnes
One thing that Simon Barnes demonstrates in this book is that he's not only a very good birdwatcher, but also a gifted writer and astute observer. Arguably it's the most important book listed as it addresses not only committed birders', but all those 'dudes' without whom we wouldn't have the clout we need.
3 - A Bird in The Bush: A Social History of Birdwatching - Stephen Moss
The book's easy and pleasant style belies the degree of genuine scholarship that must have gone into it. A great source of understanding of why and how we got to this point.
4 - HBW - Vol. IX
OK this one ought to win every year it's published, but we've got to give the other guys a chance.
5 - Woodpeckers of Europe - Gerald Gorman.
A nice chatty style and an easy read, but still packed full of information. Stunningly attractive plates. Thank goodness it's not written in the current dense, fact heavy style.
Yes, leaving out the 'Gulls of Europe, Asia & North America' by Olsen & Larsson wasn't an oversight. It's a great book, but the woodpeckers book just pips it into 5th place.
Oops I've just noticed that I typed 2005 in the heading whereas I actually meant the past year - 2004! John
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