Self-titled "gonzovationists," Ralph Steadman and Ceri Levy (Extinct Boids) pick up pens, paint and keyboards for a stunning art book devoted to the "nextinct"--critically endangered birds that will vanish forever without conservation. The cheery, chatty duo describes their project as one of hope for these rare species.
Steadman's bold, vibrant illustrations take center stage. His real-life subjects, like the Sociable Lapwing, are presented in natural palettes and dignified poses, but the true fun comes not from the birds but the "boids"--imaginary, cartoonish birds, like the Teeny Spint (Eencius weencius), that seem to emerge autonomously from ink blobs and slashes. Levy's notes on each species, real and imagined, sit alongside e-mails and transcripts of phone and Skype chats the authors shared while working on the project, giving insight into their rapport.
Ideal for the birder or art enthusiast, this vibrant collection is perfect for holiday giving and even contains a portrait of two turtledoves. --Jaclyn Fulwood, blogger at Infinite Reads