Henry Dresser and Victorian Ornithology
Henry Dresser and Victorian Ornithology
The life of a 19th century ornithologist as a lens on society, business and science
‘Henry Dresser and Victorian Ornithology: birds, books and business’ is the result of a 17-year-long project to explore the life, work and contexts of Manchester Museum’s main bird collector, one of the leading ornithologists of the 19th century. His life is a lens to explore transformations in 19th century natural history and the connections between natural history, empire, colonialism and trade, to help people understand scientific natural history collections, their contexts and uses. The book was published by Manchester University Press in November 2017. Work on the book was presented at a number of international conferences, in Russia, Svalbard and Vienna.
The book was reviewed as follows:
“This is a magnificent exploration of (British) Victorian ornithology, which brings to life many of the key figures of the period with their frequently very strained relationships.”
Alan Knox, British Birds, January 2018
“As Henry McGhie makes clear in this excellent, wide-ranging and beautifully produced biography, Henry Dresser was a key player in Victorian ornithology… Well researched, well written and nicely produced, this is a book you should have”
Tim Birkhead, Ibis, July 2019
“The book itself is comprehensive but remains eminently readable, and as such it constitutes an important addition to the history of ornithology.”
Peter Lack, British Trust for Ornithology
“…anyone with a general interest in the history of ornithology will enjoy McGhie’s survey of social history when Dresser was active.”
Frank Egerton, Journal of Field Ornithology