The Birds of Australia

John Gould (1804-1881) is a world-renowned ornithologist known as the "Father of Australian Ornithology" . His book Birds of Australia (1840-1848), beautifully illustrated by his wife Elizabeth Gould (1804-1841), is celebrated the world over as a monumental work in ornithology.

John Gould & Elizabeth Gould Biography

• John Gould

  • Born on September 14, 1804 in Lyme Regis, Dorset, England.
  • He began his career as a taxidermist and later became an ornithologist.
  • Between 1838 and 1840, he traveled to Australia to study and collect birds.
  • Between 1840 and 1848 he published The Birds of Australia.
  • He died in London on February 3, 1881 (aged 76).

• Elizabeth Gould

  • Born July 18, 1804 in Ramsgate, England.
  • She married John Gould and supported his research.
  • He illustrated Gould's books , including "Birds of Australia."
  • He died in London on August 15, 1841 (aged 37).

Representative works

• Birds of Australia (1840–1848)

The Goulds' style and achievements

John Gould was passionate about ornithology, observing and collecting birds from all over the world and recording their ecology and characteristics in detail. His book, "The Birds of Australia," was a groundbreaking bird guide at the time , covering all the birds that live on the Australian continent .

Elizabeth Gould supported her husband's research and illustrated the birds that appeared in his books. Her illustrations accurately captured the morphology and color of birds, and expressed them vividly. Their scientific accuracy and artistic beauty are still highly regarded today.

The Goulds' collaborative work, The Birds of Australia, contributed greatly to the development of ornithology , and their work is also significant in that it unites science and art .