AUDUBON'S BIRDS OF AMERICA

Wonderful value this, and an unusual piece of book making, in a reduction to compact size the reproduction of 288 plates from the 1937 royal octavo edition. Ludlow Griscom has written some new introductory material, biographical and critical comment, and an explanation of the basis of selection, the sequence following accepted scientific grouping and order, and so on. He has included some persuasive arguments, stemming from Audubon's own theories, on the subject of conservation. The prints -- while the offset process mutes the colors somewhat -- retain the essential beauty and quality of the original drawings. Accompanying captions provide a brief descriptive text. Charming binding, board with paper overlay, in an effective design of geometrically arranged feathers. Book of the Month dividend -- and a wonderful value at this price.