From Library Journal
John James Audubon's friendships were often stressful and short-lived, but his personal and professional relationship with John Bachman of Charleston, South Carolina, was a notable exception. Bachman (1790-1874), a Lutheran pastor and gifted amateur zoologist, first met Audubon in 1831; they immediately became friends and collaborators and eventually in-laws (both Audubon sons wed Bachman daughters). Their major work was The Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America (1845-49), with Bachman's text and Audubon's paintings, but Bachman also provided specimens and data for Birds of America (1827-38). Shuler has produced a well-written and fully researched biography of Bachman, the first since 1888, emphasizing his scientific contributions and the Audubon friendship; it is recommended for natural history collections.?Paul B. Cors, Univ. of Wyoming Lib., LaramieCopyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

It was most fortuitous that on his first visit to Charleston John James Audubon would meet John Bachman, a Lutheran clergyman and naturalist. Their chance encounter in 1831 and immediate friendship profoundly affected the careers and social ties of these two men. In this elegantly written book, Jay Shuler offers the first in-depth portrayal of the Bachman-Audubon relationship and its significance in the creation of Audubon's works. Drawing on their voluminous correspondence, replete with accounts of their ornithological adventures and details of their personal and professional lives, Had I the Wings provides new insights into Audubon's life and work and rescues from obscurity John Bachman's important contributions to American ornithology and mammalogy.

FROM THE CRITICS

Washington Times

Elegantly portrays an elegant friendship.

Library Journal