Raven and Crow - by Ellen W Williams (Paperback)

About the Book

""Ravens and crows, both members of the Corvidae family, have long captured human imagination. Artists often depict them, and backyard bird enthusiasts delight in their antics. Around the world, these birds have inspired thousands of myths, legends, and fairytales which regard corvids as powerful beings, with the crow often depicted as a witch or a goddess in disguise, and the raven portrayed as a creator-trickster being. This book explores the many dimensions of ravens and crows in science and culture since ancient times. Revealed by recent studies to use language and problem-solving skills and to have the ability to count, these enigmatic birds take flight in science, mythology and art alike."-Provided by publisher"--

Book Synopsis

Ravens and crows, both members of the Corvidae family, have long captured human imagination. Ornithologists have noted their problem-solving capabilities, but the interest extends beyond science. Artists are moved to depict them, while backyard bird enthusiasts delight in their antics. Found around the world, the raven and the crow have inspired thousands of myths, legends, and fairytales. These stories regard corvids as powerful beings, with the crow sometimes seen as a witch or a goddess in disguise, and the raven portrayed as a creator-trickster being. The fascination with these birds spans centuries, and they are represented in mythology from every corner of the planet.

This book explores the multi-dimensional aspects of ravens and crows; they are the subject of scientific research as well as ancient texts and artwork. From traditional and contemporary renderings of the birds in art, to the wealth of mythology about them, the enigmatic nature of the birds remains a point of fascination for many. Recent scientific findings have revealed a use of language, problem solving skills, and the ability to count, positioning these birds at the intersection of science, mythology, and art.

Review Quotes

"In a wonderful integration of art, mythology, science, and storytelling, the author delves into the outsize role these two large black birds play in human consciousness. Beginning each chapter with field notes discussing such scientific topics as tool use, vocalizations, courtship, and why crow and raven feathers are black, Williams then fills in the dry data with art, stories, anthropology, and folklore that cover the same topics. This interweaving of science and indigenous knowledge and legends shows the vast appreciation earlier societies had for these brainy birds; much of the lore was later shown to be accurate by behavioral and ecological studies. This fascinating survey of easily recognized birds is a terrific intersection of art and science."--Booklist

About the Author

Ellen W. Williams is a museum educator and was responsible for the interpretive program at the Katonah Museum of Art in Katonah, New York.