Birds Across The Sky, By Florence Page Jaques

If I am ever asked, I always name Birds Across The Sky, by Florence Page Jaques, as my favorite book. While it is true that I am passionate about flowers (making a memoir about bird an odd choice for a favorite), I have read this book several times and just enjoy it so much.

But first, a little background story… I found this book at a church resale fundraiser. All the church members were asked to donate unwanted items, which were sold to raise money for their women’s homeless shelter ministry. The sale was open to the public, so I went with a friend who was a church member and volunteer for the shelter. The golden yellow book spine caught my eye, and I opened to the forward to see that the book was about. The forward opens like this:

This is a book for people who like birds, but even more it is for those who would like to like them. I am not a born ornithologist; I only married one. Thought I can remember trees and flowers with the greatest ease, birds have never come naturally to me, so it may be an encouragement and a solace to others to know my struggles to become a bird lover.

I was intrigued. With a price sticker of $1, I was sold. Happily so, as I quickly read the entire book, chuckling my way through the chapters.

Although I was not (back then, nor now) married to an ornithologist, I am someone who would like to like birds, as I find them beautiful, charming and curious natural creatures which, unlike most other wild animals, we see daily. Jaques has such a jovial wit as she describes the birdy situations she found herself in over the course of her marriage to Francis “Lee” Jaques; long time natural artist for the American Museum of Natural History in NYC, and the illustrator of his wife’s books. Birds Across The Sky is a glimpse into the natural scientist’s life in a personal way.

Beyond her wit, I have always appreciated Florence’s keen observations, relatable story-telling and adventurous spirit. Indeed, the Jaques’ lived a quietly adventurous life, capturing the habits of a myriad of bird species around the globe in both visual art and in word. Although Mrs. Jaques never says this about herself (and I doubt she ever would), the trait I most admire about her is her willingness to embrace the most remote, daring adventures with a joyful composition. Though a housewife during the 1930’s, 40’s and 50’s, she hardly fit the bored, Sally Forth-esque, stereotype.

I have loaned this book to various friends, but truthfully, I’m not sure if anyone else has finished it! Seems like this quirky little book may not appeal to a broad audience, even though I really adore it. The other caveat to my recommendation is that my copy is a first edition, published in 1942. Even this detail makes me smile. But it also makes the book difficult to buy. There is one available on Amazon (though unlike mine, it has the original dust jacket) for over $50, at the time of writing. But if you are interested, and you are in the area, maybe I will loan you mine.