Originally published in German, this wide-ranging but selective account describes people for whom birds have been an obsession, vocation, or hobby. Among those profiled are egg and specimen collectors, researchers of behavior, recreational birders, and many others. Brunner's emphasis on the extreme sometimes makes distinguished academics and explorers come across as eccentric or peculiar. Birdmania would be improved if explanatory captions for the interesting illustrations had been placed next to them instead of in an eight-page appendix. The engaging text unfortunately is marred by errors, such as the statement that Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919) hunted with Audubon (1785-1851). In two places one reads of Berwick's Swan, properly called Bewick's Swan. Brunner has a breezy style, but at times his compelling subject is laden with a fatuous, superficial quality. However, the author has done impressive research, providing birth and death dates for his many individuals spellbound by birds, citations to relevant literature, and historical context. While Americans are featured here, Birdmania has an Old World bias. Verdict Flawed but nevertheless recommended for those interested in natural history and the history of science.-Henry T. Armistead, formerly with Free Lib. of Philadelphia © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

As an individual who suffers from "a remarkable passion for birds," this reviewer was very interested in the contents of this tome, but he did not find what he imagined. The remarkable subject explored is not a bird or birds in general, but rather an unusual group of people who have dedicated most of their lives to following their particular--and in some cases very peculiar--passion for our feathered friends. From ancient cave paintings to massive life lists of present-day birders, Brunner offers a detailed history of the activities of bird lovers. A few well-known individuals are mentioned (Audubon, Darwin, Wilson), but the lives of lesser-known individuals fill most of the pages. Each chapter has a focus, although their headings may not help the reader anticipate content. Falconry, birds in captivity, scientific collecting, migration, banding, and searching for rare species, among many other topics, vie for space in the text. Perhaps most interesting of all are the tales of intrigue, chicanery, and outright fraud among some serious bird maniacs. This is an excellent general interest read, but may not be as valued in many research-intensive collections. Summing Up: Recommended. All readers. --Paul K. Lago, University of Mississippi