Joseph Kastner (1907–1997)

From the inside flap:

John James Audubon spoke little English when he came to America from France at the age of eighteen. But he was charming musical and a good dancer, so he quickly made himself at home. The land he came to in 1803, soon after the founding of the new Republic, was still largely wilderness. This suited Audubon perfectly, for he loved the outdoors more than anything. Within a short time, his passion for American birds became an obsession and he was tracking, observing, sketching, and painting every species he could find. In time he developed the largest and most accurate collection of paintings of American birds ever assembled. Then he created engravings from the paintings so many eager nature lovers could own them. His knowledge of birds and his skill in picturing them gave him a great career. This is the world of art, where anything is possible.

51 illustrations, including 36 plates full color

From the back:

John James Audubon was unhappy trying to run a business that his father had set up for him. He only loved tramping through the woods, sketching and painting birds and animals. Through years of hard work, study and travel he became so good that his paintings were known around the world.… (more)