09-11-2010, 02:48 PM
from the MAIL...stunning! the most expensive book in the world~~~
whoever manages to snag this book - to be auctioned at Sotheby's this year - will certainly have something to crow about.
Birds of paradise: John James Audubon's Birds of America features full scale paintings of various species
valued at £6million 'Birds of America' is the most expensive page-turner in the world and one of only 119 copies ever printed.
Written and illustrated by John James Audubon, the book was a labour of love that has become a literary treasure for collectors.
The Haiti-born naturalist and artist would hunt the featured birds during the day and then complete full scale paintings of the birds at night.
In 1826 he took his work to Liverpool where it was then turned into the book now known as Birds of America.
His book was so widely regarded in his day - he died in 1851 - that it was mentioned in Charles Darwin's On The Origin Of Species.
whoever manages to snag this book - to be auctioned at Sotheby's this year - will certainly have something to crow about.
Birds of paradise: John James Audubon's Birds of America features full scale paintings of various species
valued at £6million 'Birds of America' is the most expensive page-turner in the world and one of only 119 copies ever printed.
Written and illustrated by John James Audubon, the book was a labour of love that has become a literary treasure for collectors.
The Haiti-born naturalist and artist would hunt the featured birds during the day and then complete full scale paintings of the birds at night.
In 1826 he took his work to Liverpool where it was then turned into the book now known as Birds of America.
His book was so widely regarded in his day - he died in 1851 - that it was mentioned in Charles Darwin's On The Origin Of Species.