Avian Illuminations: A Cultural History of Birds - Hardcover

by Boria Sax (Author)

An exquisitely illustrated journey through the complex and crucial relationship between humans and birds.

Avian Illuminations examines the many roles birds have played in human society, from food, messengers, deities, and pets, to omens, muses, timekeepers, custodians, hunting companions, decorative motifs, and, most importantly, embodiments of our aspirations. Boria Sax narrates the history of our relationships with a host of bird species, including crows, owls, parrots, falcons, eagles, nightingales, hummingbirds, and many more. Along the way, Sax describes how birds' nesting has symbolized human romance, how their flight has inspired inventors throughout history, and he concludes by showing that the interconnections between birds and humans are so manifold that a world without birds would effectively mean an end to human culture itself. Beautifully illustrated, Avian Illuminations is a superb overview of humanity's long and rich association with our avian companions.

Author Biography

Boria Sax teaches at Sing Sing Correctional Facility and online in the graduate literature program at Mercy College. He is the author of many books, including City of Ravens, Imaginary Animals, and Dinomania, the last two also published by Reaktion Books.