British Mammals

Abstract

THE success of “British Birds” and “A Naturalist's Sketch-book” has induced Mr. Thorburn and his publishers to issue companion volumes on “British Mammals,” the first of which is now before us. Although the subject of our native beasts has already been somewhat exhaustively dealt with by Millais, Barrett-Hamilton, Harting, Lydekker, Coward, Adams, etc., there is yet room for Mr. Thorburn's book, because he is an artist-naturalist of such unique quality and observation that anything he may give us is worthy of publication and permanent value. In his case the common truism that there is always room at the top applies definitely. Pictures of natural history are always in demand, and we cannot have too many of those of the highest quality, since the exponents who possess genius are so few. Wherefore, even if the author's text is short, it is quite sufficient and extremely accurate so far as it goes, whilst the illustrations of the various species and subspecies, especially the smaller ones, are of such remarkable accuracy and beauty that it is not too much to say they have not been, and never will be, surpassed. Where Mr. Thorburn excels all other artists of mammals or birds is in his supreme rendering of the colour and texture of fur and feather, as well as in his perfect association of natural background with the subject under treatment. He also introduces just the right botanical features found in association with the creatures he depicts, and skilfully inserts little and surprising notes of colour, such as a bluebell, an orange-tip butterfly, a golden kingcup, or a humble daisy, which often makes a charming picture out of what is really a dull and unattractive subject. This is pure skill, and the result of a severe artistic training combined with a knowledge of Nature.

British Mammals.

Written and illustrated by A. Thorburn. (In two volumes.) Vol. i. Pp. vii + 84 + 25 plates. (London: Longmans, Green, and Co., 1920.) Price 10l. 10s. net two vols.