Bird: Exploring the Winged World

Phaidon Editors (Phaidon Press, $79.95)

Let your imagination take flight to celebrate the beauty and diversity of birds across art, science, history and culture. Bird: Exploring the Winged World is a visually stunning survey of birds, chronicling their scientific and popular appeal through the ages and around the world. With contributions from more than 90 artists, 50 photographers, 10 fashion designers and 15 illustrators, the book’s spectacular 300-plus images – from richly painted medieval manuscripts to incredible high-speed photography – reveal the birds’ likeness, character and symbolism.

An uplifting and eye-opening tribute to the way birds enrich our lives ALAN TITCHMARSH