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Birds: Myth, Lore and Legend

£19.95

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    Birds: Myth, Lore and Legend Author: Format: Hardback First Published: Published By: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
    string(3) "304"
    Pages: 304 Illustrations and other contents: More than 200 illustrations ISBN: 9781472922861 Categories: ,

    Why are owls regarded either as wise or as harbingers of doom? What gave rise to the fanciful belief that storks bring babies? Why is the eagle associated with victory or the hummingbird with paradise? The answers are here in this new and engaging book. By re-telling the many legends, beliefs, proverbs and predictions associated with more than 80 birds from many nations, it brings into focus the close – and often ancient – links between humans and these remarkable feathered descendants of dinosaurs. Discover, for instance:
    Why the cockerel features on many church spires
    The one sacred bird that symbolises life and peace in most cultures
    How to dispel bad luck if you see this black-and-white bird
    The South-American ‘devil bird’ once thought to be a dragon
    Birds: lore, myth and legend draws on historical accounts and scientific literature to reveal how colourful tales or superstitions were shaped by human imagination from each bird’s behaviour or appearance. It offers an enchanting and different perspective on birds across the world.

    Weight1.2 kg
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    This exquisite book explores how avian characteristics and behaviours have inspired their varied roles in literature, superstition and mythology, taking in examples from all over the world ... A perfect blend of natural and cultural history, lavishly illustrated with photography and art - a splendid gift for bird lovers. -- Juanita Coulson * The Lady * This is one of those books when everything is just right from the appealing text to the illustrations and the format to the layout. The result is a very tactile and readable book that should be on everyone's bookshelf. This is a book that I shall dip into for information many times and has been a revelation. -- Ray Collier * The Highland News * If you're a fan of birds and mythology you won't want to miss this inspiring volume. * Soul & Spirit * There is much to commend. There is a pleasing interweaving of legend and learning... There are strong thematic threads too... Best of all, this is a visual feast, with stunning photographs and illustrations given space to delight. * BBC Wildlife * This book is a really good read for anyone remotely interested in birds. For enthusiasts there is much to learn about the cultural aspects of our feathered friends - and how they inspire us and shape our views of the world. * National Geographic Voices *

    Author Biography

    Marianne Taylor has written many books on natural history subjects including British Birds of Prey, Owls, Dragonflight and Wild Coast for Bloomsbury. Rachel Warren Chadd is a journalist and editor who has long been interested in myths and legends. Subjects have included the exotic pets (including llamas and lions) kept by Manhattan residents and covert rituals (known as Santeria) in parts of the Caribbean community.