Part One : Birds in Philosophy and Religion -- 1: Parallel Worlds -- 2: Phoenix and Thunderbird -- 3: Bird Divination -- 4: Bird Souls -- 5: Migration and Pilgrimage -- Part Two: Birds in History -- 6: Nature-cultures -- 7: Avian Politics -- 8: Falconry -- 9: Plato's 'Man' -- Part Three: Birds in Art -- 10: From Caves to Cathedrals -- 11: Art or Illustration? -- 12: Birds, Flowers and Time -- 13: The Nightingale and the Rose -- Conclusion : Birds and the Future -- 14: Extinction -- 15: Protection and Revival -- References

An exquisitely illustrated journey through the complex and crucial relationship between humans and birds. Avian Illuminations examines the many roles birds have played in human society, from food, messengers, deities, and pets, to omens, muses, timekeepers, custodians, hunting companions, decorative motifs, and, most importantly, embodiments of our aspirations. Boria Sax narrates the history of our relationships with a host of bird species, including crows, owls, parrots, falcons, eagles, nightingales, hummingbirds, and many more. Along the way, Sax describes how birds' nesting has symbolized human romance, how their flight has inspired inventors throughout history, and he concludes by showing that the interconnections between birds and humans are so manifold that a world without birds would effectively mean an end to human culture itself. Beautifully illustrated, Avian Illuminations is a superb overview of humanity's long and rich association with our avian companions