Audubon the Naturalist a History of His Life and Time

Francis Hobart Herrick first published this definitive biography of John James Audubon in 1917, marking a turning point in the scholarly understanding of the naturalist’s life. Driven by a desire to rectify the inaccuracies perpetuated by earlier, often romanticized accounts, Herrick utilized his background as a biologist to meticulously reconstruct Audubon’s history. The work is widely recognized for its discovery of crucial genealogical documents that revealed the truth of Audubon’s birth and upbringing, providing a factual anchor for all subsequent biographical studies.

The design of the volume reflects the early twentieth-century academic approach to biography, favoring comprehensive documentation and rigorous archival research. Herrick’s writing style is methodical and dense, aiming to place Audubon firmly within the context of his scientific contributions and the shifting landscapes of the nineteenth-century American frontier. Upon its release, the book was received as a landmark achievement, praised by the scientific community for its investigative depth and its commitment to separating verifiable historical data from the myths that had long surrounded the famous ornithologist.