The Life of John James Audubon, the Naturalist

Originally published in 1869, this biographical work was edited by Robert Buchanan and based on the journals and memoirs compiled by Lucy Green Bakewell Audubon, the wife of the celebrated naturalist John James Audubon. The volume emerged during the mid-Victorian era, a period characterized by a deep cultural fascination with natural history and the heroic narratives of exploration and scientific discovery.

The text was crafted to preserve Audubon's legacy, drawing heavily from his personal letters and records to provide an intimate perspective on his struggles and his eventual success with 'The Birds of America.' The design of the original editions reflected the dignified aesthetic of 19th-century biographical publishing, intended for a learned public interested in the intersection of art and ornithology. It was generally well-received for providing a rare, domestic glimpse into the life of a man whose work had already become synonymous with American wildlife art.