Birds have inspired people since the dawn of time. They are the notes behind Mozart's genius, the colours behind Audubon's art and ballet's swansong. In The Birds They Sang, Stanislaw Lubienski sheds light on some of history's most meaningful bird and human interactions, from historical bird watchers in a German POW camp, to Billy and Kes in A Kestrel for a Knave. He muses on what exactly Hitchcock's birds had in mind, and reveals the true story behind the real James Bond. Undiscouraged by damp, discomfort and a reed bunting's curse, Lubienski bears witness to the difficulties birds face today as people fail to accommodate them in rapidly changing times. A soaring exploration of our fascination with birds, The Birds They Sang opens a vast realm of astonishing sounds, colours and meanings - a complete world in which we humans are never alone.

About the Author
Stanislaw Lubienski is an esteemed ornithologist and writer. A regular contributor to newspapers and magazines, he is the co-author of a series of films about the life of migrants in Poland. The Birds They Sang won the readers' vote for the 2017 Nike Literary Award, Poland's most prestigious literary prize.

Reviews
'An enchanting and thought-provoking mix of close observation of birds and cultural history, told with a new and refreshing perspective.' Stephen Moss 'An original and delightful book - intelligent and tender. Stanislaw Lubienski is a warm-hearted guide, at once modest and passionate, funny and quizzical, and always brilliant on his birds.' Tim Dee 'A real balm to the soul' Jackie Morris, winner of Kate Greenaway Medal 2019 for The Lost Words



Book Information
ISBN 9781908906366
Author Stanislaw Lubienski
Format Hardback
Page Count 224
Imprint The Westbourne Press
Publisher The Westbourne Press