Reviewed by Norrie Sanders
The endangered Gouldian finch is one of Australia’s prettiest birds and was named after Elizabeth Gould, by her husband John in 1841. He was already famed as “the Bird Man” (of England), yet in typical fashion, his claim on the finch conveniently overlooked the facts that it had been discovered already by French expeditioners two years earlier and Gould’s part in the procurement was merely to open the parcel sent to him from Australia by his assistant. Neither the French nor the assistant was acknowledged when Gould presented the bird to the Royal Society.
Grantlee Kieza’s story of the Goulds inevitably has more to offer on John than Elizabeth, simply because he was a prolific writer, collector and self-promoter; while Elizabeth spent much of her time raising their children and painting birds for her husband’s publications. He was an entrepreneur who died a rich man, having sold large numbers of birds and other animals, along with lavishly illustrated compendia on birds from all parts of the world.
There are many biographies of the Goulds – both separately and together – and this one covers similar ground, but with more than half the book devoted to Australia. They spent only two years in the country, but Gould covered a lot of territory in southern Australia. However, the bulk of the effort was from his assistants and relatives who spent over a decade collecting specimens from the entire continent.
The Goulds – particularly John – interacted with many notables including King George IV, Charles Darwin, John and Jane Franklin, Charles Sturt, Ludwig Leichardt, Edward Lear. Ironically, some of the minor characters in the book are the most interesting, particularly the assistant John Gilbert, illustrator Lear and the soon-to-be-famous Darwin. In each case John Gould is both their mentor and tormentor, as he is quick to criticise their perceived shortcomings or lack of enterprise.
Like many driven people who have contributed to the world of science, Gould was an admirable person, but frequently unlikeable. Elizabeth, on the other hand, comes across as virtuous, faithful and kindly, with an abiding love for her husband, children and brothers. Kieza has carefully crafted a book which contrasts John’s fame and flaws.
For a couple with no formal scientific training, Mr and Mrs Gould made a remarkable name for themselves as pioneering naturalists of the nineteenth century…….Though the shotguns of Gould and his collectors destroyed many rare birds, his lasting legacy is that he helped to engender enduring respect and love for wildlife that conservationists adopted in later years [p363].
Kieza’s research is comprehensive and detailed, with the added context of many historical events – such as the Napoleonic wars and the Great Exhibition. The cast of characters is large and many are brought to life through their letters and mini-biographies in the text. The book has appeal for bird lovers and historians and its faithful evocation of life in mid-19th century Australia and England. The coloured bird illustrations and the many other images are a wonderful complement to the story.
Award-winning journalist Grantlee Kieza OAM held senior editorial positions at The Daily Telegraph, The Sunday Telegraph and The Courier-Mail for many years and was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for his writing. He is a Walkley Award finalist and the author of more than twenty acclaimed books, including bestsellers Sister Viv, Flinders, Hudson Fysh, Banks, Banjo and Mrs Kelly.
(October 2024)
by Grantlee Kieza
HarperCollinsPublishers Imprint: ABC Books
ISBN: 9780733343254
$49.99 (Hardcover); 432pp