Edward Lear's nonsense birds

"Edward Lear loved birds. Of all the animals that sprang from his quirky imagination, birds held a special place, serving as the animal of choice for his zoomorphosis in self-portraiture. Not only did he draw more birds than any other animal, but he also endowed them with particularly human characteristics. This book brings together a collection of Lear's nonsense bird such as 'The Obsequious Ornamental Ostrich who wore Boots to keep his feet quite dry', as well as the twenty birds he hand-coloured such as 'The Runcible Bird' and 'The Stripy Bird'. Each of these is endowed with unique character while collectively they form a glorious humorous flock. Beautifully presented, this is a perfect gift for children of all ages as well as for lovers of birds" --Back cover.