The Ornithology of Shakespeare: Critically examined, explained and illustrated

"The Ornithology of Shakespeare" by James Edmund Harting is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. The work explores the avian references found in the plays and poems of William Shakespeare, examining his understanding and portrayal of various bird species. Through a detailed examination of Shakespeare's text, the author aims to highlight the playwright's insights into ornithology, enriched by his reflections on nature and field sports. The opening of the work introduces Harting's purpose behind the inquiry into Shakespeare's knowledge of birds, noting that previous commentators have often overlooked this aspect. He shares details about his extensive research, which built upon earlier articles he wrote, and outlines the structure of the book, explaining that he will categorize bird references according to natural groups. Additionally, he mentions his intent to illustrate how Shakespeare's lived experiences as a sportsman and naturalist informed his literary expression. Overall, this section sets the stage for a scholarly exploration of the intricate relationship between Shakespeare's art and the natural world, particularly focusing on the birds that appear in his works.