Birds and Poets : with Other Papers

"Birds and Poets: With Other Papers" by John Burroughs is an essay collection that explores the interwoven relationship between the natural world and artistic expression in the late 1800s. Through keen observations of birds, Burroughs links natural beauty to literary inspiration, suggesting that poets find freedom and creativity mirrored within the avian world, which in turn inspires their work. The opening essay introduces this central theme, showing how birds resonate with the poetic spirit and examining how ornithologists, like Audubon, and celebrated poets, such as Shakespeare and Wordsworth, have captured the essence of birds in their work. Burroughs thoughtfully considers the emotions that birds stir in literature, establishing a foundation for understanding the profound role of nature in human thought and creativity, written with rich imagery and philosophical depth.