John James Audubon and the Making of the Birds of America

John James Audubon, renowned for his knowledge of the American wilderness was equally adept at the quintessential American activity of self-invention. After unsuccessful attempts at various professions, his passion for hunting ---and for making life-size, realistically posed paintings of the animals he shot --- led to the creation of his magnum opus, The Birds of America. Joining Larry Mantle to talk about Audubon’s life and work is William Souder, author of Under a Wild Sky: John James Audubon and the Making of The Birds of America (North Point Press).

John James Audubon, renowned for his knowledge of the American wilderness was equally adept at the quintessential American activity of self-invention. After unsuccessful attempts at various professions, his passion for hunting ---and for making life-size, realistically posed paintings of the animals he shot --- led to the creation of his magnum opus, The Birds of America. Joining Larry Mantle to talk about Audubon’s life and work is William Souder, author of Under a Wild Sky: John James Audubon and the Making of The Birds of America (North Point Press).