Selby, a Gentleman Naturalist Book

The Northumbrian landowner and gifted artist, Prideaux John Selby (1788-1867), was one of the foremost ornithologists of the 19th century. His reputation rests on his drawings and etchings (largely of specimens from his own collection) for his "Illustrations of British Ornithology". This was only a small part of his contribution to the study of natural history. This is the first biography of P.J. Selby to be published. The book is based on a series of vivid and entertaining letters that Selby wrote to his close friend and collaborator, Sir William Jardine, between 1824 and 1856. As well as discussing Selby's contribution to science and his techniques as an artist, Mrs Jackson sketches the background of the Northumbrian countryside in which he spent his life, his love of his family and estate, his involvement in local politics and his interest in the building of the railways.Read More