GHOSTS OF GONE BIRDS: Resurrecting Lost Species

A creative murmuration, a flocking together of writers and artists around a single path, that of raising awareness of all the birds we have lost to extinction with the aim that we don't lose many more. The book is a visual record of the first four Ghosts of Gone Birds exhibitions introducing the ideas behind this unique art and conservation project. A stunning colourful gallery presented on large white glossy pages, here are the delights of species like the Red-Moustached Fruit Dove, the Snail-eating Coua, the Laughing Owl, the last Passenger Pigeon (pictured on a child's head), the King Island Emu a rather peaceful ink on paper by Matthew Otten, a mixed media New Zealand Little Bittern, a rather anatomical selection commemorating the Finch's Requiem for Galapagos Finches as hunted by Charles Darwin, Carolina Parakeets in tulip trees, a hand screen print of a Reunion Owl and all manner of pen, ink, watercolour and papercuts, cartoon drawings, digital prints and extraordinary interpretations from modern artists. There are poems and short essays on extinction, a whole background to the exhibitions themselves and how they were staged, and throughout the voices of the artists as they talk about why they have adopted their particular 'gone' bird and brought them back to life. Stunning visual record featuring the work of more than 180 artists and writers. 256pp in large softback, 23.3 x 28cm.