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Birds have inspired people since the dawn of time. They are the notes behind Mozart's genius, the colours behind Audubon's art and ballet's swansong.

In The Birds They Sang, Stanislaw Lubienski sheds light on some of history's most meaningful bird and human interactions, from historical bird watchers in a German POW camp, to Billy and Kes in A Kestrel for a Knave. He muses on what exactly Hitchcock's birds had in mind, and reveals the true story behind the real James Bond. Undiscouraged by damp, discomfort and a reed bunting's curse, Lubienski bears witness to the difficulties birds face today as people fail to accommodate them in rapidly changing times.

A soaring exploration of our fascination with birds, The Birds They Sang opens a vast realm of astonishing sounds, colours and meanings - a complete world in which we humans are never alone. 'An enchanting and thought-provoking mix of close observation of birds and cultural history, told with a new and refreshing perspective.' Stephen Moss

'An original and delightful book - intelligent and tender. Stanislaw Lubienski is a warm-hearted guide, at once modest and passionate, funny and quizzical, and always brilliant on his birds.' Tim Dee

'A real balm to the soul' Jackie Morris, winner of Kate Greenaway Medal 2019 for The Lost Words

The Birds They Sang: Birds and People in Life and Art

Introduction; Chelmonski's Hawk; A Sap-Scented Coal Tit ; James Bond & Co. ; Harbotka ; The Basilisk in the Frying Pan;

A Stork Called Stonelis ; Two Hours of Daylight Left ; At The End of The World; Claypit Park ; The Falcon Man ; Francois Mitterrand's Last Supper