Bogdan Dyakowski: Useful birds our forests, fields and gardens. 43 birds and their eggs on 25 color plates [1905].

This is the first edition of one of the most beautiful Polish nature albums, dedicated to birds useful in the human economy. The author, Bogdan Dyakowski (1864-1940), was an outstanding zoologist, popularizer of nature, educator and publicist, long-time editor of the magazine “Universe” and author of numerous nature books for young people .

The publication was published in 1905 by the well-known Warsaw publishing house M. Arct. The album contains 25 color plates depicting 43 species of birds (including woodpeckers, tits, plovers, flycatchers, swifts, swallows, cuckoos, owls, storks) and their eggs . Each board is provided with a detailed description: Polish and Latin name, appearance characteristics, lifestyle, food and economic importance.

Dyakowski, a chemical engineer by training, also studied in Paris, where he encountered the modern popularization of science . In his books he combined scientific integrity with accessible language, emphasizing the practical importance of bird protection for agriculture and horticulture – they protect crops from pests. The album is not only a valuable source of ornithological knowledge, but also a beautiful example of Polish publishing art of the early 20th century.

4916-21-AZ