Clifford B. Frith is an ornithologist and wildlife photographer. He has held appointments at The Natural History Museum in London and has performed ornithological research for the Royal Society of London, as well as the Bird Department of the British Museum. Frith has also researched and professionally photographed birds in Australia, New Guinea, the South Pacific, the Galapagos, and many other locations. He is the author of six books, including two titles in OUP's Bird Families of the World series (1998 and 2004).

"This is an original work that has never been attempted before, and is unique in coupling Darwin with birds. I am familiar with his Birds of Paradise book, so I know the author is capable of presenting fascinating information to the public. There is a huge and perpetual appetite for this subject. I would recommend it to others seeking an understanding of the role played by birds in the development of Darwin's thinking." --Peter Grant, Emeritus Professor of Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University

"General readers and serious researchers will find much of interest..." --The Tablelander

"There is no doubt that this is the authoritative work on Darwin's ornithological experiences The volume will be of great value to anyone interested in birds and ornithology generally, as well as to those interested in the life and thought of Charles Darwin." - Jeff O'Connell, Quarterly Review of Biology (June 2017)

"this book is a treat. It is a very readable account of the role that birds played in Charles Darwin's life...No special interest in birds is required and, although it's a scholarly work, it is eminently readable and complete with a large collection of pictures in the centre." - Josephine Hellberg, Royal Society of Biology (October 2017)

"For anyone interested in Darwin, birds, or the history of ornithology, this book is not just a reference but a fascinating read. Although detailed, it is very readable, interesting and insightful about not only the work of Charles Darwin, but also the 'modest' ornithologist himself." - Ruth Walker, British Trust for Ornithology