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We're all familiar with 'a flock of sheep' but what are the
collective nouns for racehorses, pigs, zebras or giraffes? Drawing
on a range of sources, from fifteenth-century hunting terms to more
recent inventions that have now entered the language, this book
collects over 100 examples of the most interesting collective nouns
for animals, each illustrated with charming woodcuts by the
renowned naturalist engraver of the eighteenth century, Thomas
Bewick. Some describe a key characteristic of the animal in
question: 'a shrewdness of apes', 'a busyness of ferrets'. Others
are delightfully humorous: 'a piddle of puppies', 'a crash of
rhinoceroses'. Featuring pets, farmyard animals, big cats and wild
beasts, this beautifully presented book is the perfect gift for
animal lovers and all those with an interest in this quirky
linguistic tradition.
'A murder of crows', 'a charm of goldfinches', 'an ostentation of
peacocks': collective nouns for British birds have existed since at
least the mid fifteenth century. They are thought to originate in
texts about hunting, but have since evolved into evocative, witty
and literary expressions, each striving to capture the very essence
of the animal they describe. Some are portentous - 'a conspiracy of
ravens' perfectly evokes this sinister bird - others convey sound,
such as 'a murmuration of starlings' or 'a chattering of choughs'.
Yet more reflect with a flourish the beauty of the bird itself:
what could be more celebratory than 'a crown of kingfishers', or
'an exaltation of larks'? The best of these imaginative expressions
are collected here, illustrated with charming woodcuts by Thomas
Bewick, the renowned naturalist engraver of the eighteenth century.
Featuring songbirds, aquatic birds, birds of prey and garden
favourites, this beautifully presented book will delight both
bird-lovers and word-lovers in equal measure.
In the late eighteenth century, the British took greater
interest than ever before in observing and recording all aspects of
the natural world. Travelers and colonists returning from far-flung
lands provided dazzling accounts of such exotic creatures as
elephants, baboons, and kangaroos. The engraver Thomas Bewick
(1753-1828) harnessed this newfound interest by assembling the most
comprehensive illustrated guide to nature of his day.
"A General History of Quadrupeds," first published in 1790,
showcases Bewick's groundbreaking engraving techniques that allowed
text and images to be published on the same page. From anteaters to
zebras, armadillos to wolverines, this delightful volume features
engravings of over four hundred animals alongside descriptions of
their characteristics as scientifically understood at the time.
"Quadrupeds "reaffirms Bewick's place in history as an incomparable
illustrator, one whose influence on natural history and book
printing still endures today.
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Fables (Hardcover)
John Bewick Thomas Bewick Gay
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R990
Discovery Miles 9 900
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Ships in 10 - 15 working days
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Fables (Paperback)
John Bewick Thomas Bewick Gay
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R704
Discovery Miles 7 040
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Ships in 10 - 15 working days
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