Author: SOCIETY FOR THE DIFFUSION OF USEFUL KNOWLEDGE
Title: The Faculties of Birds (the Library of Entertaining Knowledge)
Description: London: Charles Knight, 1835. First Edition. 20th century half calf with marbled boards. With illustrations. Edges speckled. Slight browning to endpapers. Occasional spot of foxing internally. Rebound in a late 19th or early 20th century half calf binding with marbled boards (slight spot of damage to front cover of boards). A few light spots of soilnig to spine & corners. ; The Library of Entertaining Knowledge was a series of educational books published in the nineteenth century by the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge. It was created to make learning more accessible and engaging for a wide readership, particularly the growing literate middle and working classes. The books were written in a clear and lively style, designed to entertain as well as inform, in contrast to the more formal academic works of the time. Covering a wide range of subjects including natural history, geography, archaeology, technology, and biography, the series provided richly illustrated volumes that brought topics to life. Titles explored areas such as the architecture of ancient Egypt, the habits of insects, the history of British India, and the wonders of the natural world. Many of the books contained finely detailed engravings, adding to their appeal. This series was part of a broader movement in nineteenth-century Britain that aimed to expand access to knowledge, reflecting the period’s emphasis on education, self-improvement, and curiosity about the world. Although the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge dissolved in the 1840s, the books in this collection remained influential and helped shape later educational publishing. One of the notable volumes in the series was The Faculties of Birds, which explored avian intelligence, instincts, and behaviour. It examined how birds navigate, solve problems, communicate, and interact socially. The book discussed their adaptability to different environments, with chapters on migration, nest-building, courtship displays, and vocal mimicry. It provided insights into species such as swallows, which instinctively find their way across continents, bowerbirds, which construct elaborate structures to attract mates, and parrots, known for their ability to imitate human speech. Richly illustrated with detailed engravings, The Faculties of Birds combined scientific observation with engaging storytelling, making it accessible to those with an interest in the natural world. By presenting birds as capable of learning and adaptation rather than as creatures driven solely by instinct, the book contributed to the Victorian-era fascination with animal intelligence. As part of the Library of Entertaining Knowledge, it reflected the series' aim to make science and nature more approachable and enjoyable for a broad audience. ; Octavo; xvi, 338 pages. Very Good with no dust jacket .

Keywords: Antiquarian Social & Cultural


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