'America honours Audubon's memory by giving his name to the foremost conservation society in that country. Over here, we revere him more for the spectacular plates. Hart-Davis's book reproduces a number of them on pages that are about one-twentieth the size of a double-elephant. They still look magnificent, and not surprisingly. They are, after all, among the most memorable images of birds ever produced.' -- David Attenborough THE SUNDAY TIMES (21.9.03) 'Duff Hart-Davis recounts with verve and much fascinating long-lost detail the hugely entertaining story of how the handsome, warm, long-haired frontiersman charmed his way into late-Georgian society...Audubon's Elephant is beautifully illustrated and will foster renewed interest in Audubon, not only for his art, but also for the man, optimistic, enthusiastic, irrepressible.' -- Michael McCarthy INDEPENDENT (10.10.03) '[a] vividly written and copiously illustrated book.' -- Simon Barnes TIMES (20.9.03) '...elegant and beautifully produced...Duff Hart-Davis has buffed Audubon's travails and wanderings into a picaresque tale. He captures the personalities and habitats of all thos involved with a bird-spotter's eye for telling details and in prose that is entirely free from nature-mimsy...an exceptionally vivid account of an extraordinary man and his equally extraordinary project.' -- Michael Prodger SUNDAY TELEGRAPH (28.9.03) 'Making valuable use of Audubon's own writings, and fully in tune with his way of thinking...Hart-Davis has produced an attractive account of a publishing story that will be enjoyed by both specialists and by those who don't know one end of a Roseate Spoonbill from another.' -- Robert Douglas-Fairhurst TELEGRAPH (27.9.03) 'Hart-Davis's book focuses on the man's energy and obstinacy, as well as on his great luck in attracting partners - such as his printmaker, Robert Harvell of London. But fittingly for a book celebrating a book, the great glory of Audubon's Elephant is its own colour illustrations, which reproduce more han 30 of the original plates.' -- Robin Blake FINANCIAL TIMES magazine (27.9.03) 'gorgeous reproductions...' -- Michael Herron GEOGRAPHICAL (October issue) 'fascinating facts and beautiful reproductions of his [Audubon's] works.' HOME AND COUNTRY (November issue) 'Duff Hart-Davis sets Audubon and his world vividly before us...This delightful book does Audubon and his creation proud.' -- Huon Mallalieu COUNTRY LIFE (16.10.03) 'Excellent illustrations are well used in this beautifully produced book. It is both an enticing introduction to Audubon, and a sobering reflection on the human cost of genius and great achievement.' -- Paddy Woodworth IRISH TIMES (25.10.03) 'A remarkable story by any standards and one which Hart-Davis, aided by lavish examples of Audubon's work, brings spectacularly to life.' YORKSHIRE EVENING POST (11.10.03) 'For those who cannot afford the USD8.8 million paid for the last complete Audubon set sent from this country to the United States in 2002, this it is the next best thing.' -- James Buchan GUARDIAN (29.11.03) 'this is an attractive book, beautifully produced with a number of luxurious colour plates.' -- Isabella Tree LITERARY REVIEW (December 2003) 'Duff Hart-Davis...[is to be] congratulated for producing engaging accounts of the triumphs and travails that Audubon experienced in Europe.' -- Mark V. Barrow Jr TLS (12.12.03) 'Hart-Davis has produced a compact, elegant and readable biography.' -- David Knight NATURE (December 2003) 'This is a carefully researched book and vividly conveys Audubon's tenacity, energy and determination in realising his stupendous project.' -- Johnny de Uphaugh THE FIELD (1.1.04) 'This portrayal of Audubon's life, along with the beautifully executed, dramatic and vibrant colour plates, reflects the man's unfailing energy and obsessive determination. Following him through the highs and lows of his quest for a publisher is a great read, especially for anyone interested in social history and art.' WILDFOWL & WETLANDS MAGAZINE (Spring 2004)
