The Other Audubon

I can’t get enough of Princeton Architectural Press—they always come out with the most beautiful and interesting books and the right price point. This one looks like a keeper: America’s Other Audubon by Joy M. Kiser. It features the finely crafted drawings of a little-known 19th century artist, Genevieve Estelle Jones, who began work on two volumes illustrating eggs and nests in 1877. Jones had been inspired by Mr. Audubon himself, and strove to create her Nest and Eggs of Ohio Birds as an addition to the famous artist’s work, which focused on the animals themselves rather than their unique architecture.

Subscriptions were sold to cover the cost of the project but sadly, Jones died of typhoid fever before she could complete the work. Devastated, friends and family took up the cause and finished the project in 1886, but only 90 copies are thought to have been printed.

Thanks to the PAP, the book is back in production in its original size with the artist’s field notes, plus a new text by Kiser. It will be released on May 9th. Keep an eye out for the book signing at the Mass. Audubon Society, the date TBD.

I just adore those little eggs!

Avian architecture at its best.