Richard Meinertzhagen - Birds of Arabia - 1954

Birds of Arabia, Richard Meinertzhagen, Oliver and Boyd, Edinburgh, 1954

Richard Meinertzhagen (1878-1967) was a British military officer, ornithologist and colonial administrator who served in East Africa, India, and the Middle East. His career as an army officer was marked by significant controversy, primarily due to his involvement in the Mau Mau uprising in Kenya and his alleged falsification of his military record.

Meinertzhagen's most notorious actions occurred during his time in Kenya. He was appointed Governor of this country in 1929 and was widely criticized for his harsh treatment of the Kikuyu people, who were involved in the Mau Mau rebellion against British colonial rule. Meinertzhagen is accused of ordering the use of excessive force against the Mau Mau, including the burning of villages and the detention of thousands of civilians. His pitiless treatment of the Kikuyu people is seen as a major factor in the rebellion. Meinertzhagen was also accused of embellishing his military record, claiming to have participated in actions and received decorations that he had not. This controversy led to a public inquiry in 1935, which found that he had indeed fabricated parts of his record.

Despite his vexed military career and as a colonial administrator, Meinertzhagen was a distinguished and respected ornithologist, with an extensive field experience. Since he spent much of his life traveling to various parts of the world, including East Africa, India, and the Middle East, he had ample opportunities to observe and study birds in their natural habitats. His keen eye for detail and his passion for ornithology allowed him to develop a deep understanding of avian biology and behaviour.

His book Birds of Arabia is a seminal work in the field of ornithology, renowned for its precise descriptions, illustrations, and historical significance. Published in 1954, the book provides a comprehensive overview of the bird species found in the Arabian Peninsula, including their taxonomy, distribution, behaviour, and habitat preferences. Meinertzhagen's descriptions of each species are meticulous, capturing their physical characteristics, vocalizations, and habits with precision. The book offers a valuable historical record of the region's birdlife, documenting species that have since become rare or extinct, and it is accompanied by 19 color plates and numerous magnificent illustrations, many of which were drawn by Meinertzhagen himself. These illustrations provide a visual aid for identification and greatly contribute to the book's aesthetic appeal.

Birds of Arabia was one of the first comprehensive field guides to the birds of the Arabian Peninsula. It laid the foundation for future ornithological research in the region. Since its publication, it has played a crucial role in conservation efforts by raising awareness of the region's unique birdlife and highlighting the threats they face. Birds of Arabia remains still today a valuable scientific resource, providing data on species distribution, migration patterns, and population trends, while widely been praised for its scientific accuracy, completeness and the quality of its illustrations.
Meinertzhagen's meticulous observations and his ability to capture the essence of each species have made Birds of Arabia a timeless treasure for both avid birdwatchers and seasoned ornithologists alike.

xiii, 624 pages, large 8vo.
19 color plates, 9 photographic plates, 53 text figures and 35 text maps. Index, appendix, bibliography, large folding map (50X48 cm) in rear pocket.
Weight 2 Kg, Size 28 X 20 Cm

Spine and board corners slightly rounded. Pages, maps and illustrations bright and clear.. Occasional and marginal hand-written annotations on pages (as per picture). Orange half morocco with title, author's name and publisher printed in black on spine. First edition. Book in very good + condition.


PS: The book will be shipped carefully packaged in bubble wrap, via An Post, the Irish Postal Service ("Registered Post, Tracking number & Insurance included"). Tracking number will be provided as soon as dispatched.

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