A History of Birdwatching in 100 Objects by David Callahan

The story of the relationship between bird and man, and the evolution of birdwatching, is a familiar one, covered by sufficient books to have established a genre. However, each take on this inexhaustibly rich subject sheds a unique light on our interactions with birds across the ages. A History of Birdwatching in 100 Objects is arguably one of the most unusual, taking the reader through the development of our hobby from as far back as 45,000 years ago via a diverse, chronologically arranged list of 'objects'. Each is devoted a double-page spread that includes a brief, easily digestible essay and at least one image. While claiming to be a history of birdwatching, many objects dating before 1900 are, at first glance, more closely linked to ornithology or even wider cultural and technological development, but their influence on the hobby cannot be underestimated and is clearly described.

David Callahan's adept and admirably crafted writing facilitates enjoyment and understanding of the material, and he cleverly uses each object as a vehicle to comment on social, cultural and scientific implications of the meeting of bird and human, as well as advances in birdwatching. It is clear that an effort has been made to ensure that the list is as objective as possible and it is difficult to argue with the vast majority of choices. Among the varied and well-researched collection of objects are Lysippe's bust of Aristotle, the sonogram, Nancy's café, the mobile phone, the Young Ornithologists' Club badge and the latest Swarovski telescope. It would, of course, be impossible to avoid some notable omissions in a condensed look back over some 45,000 years, but some of the objects not included, or hidden away out of chronological order, are surprising: the pivotal Collins Bird Guide, given only a sentence, would have sat comfortably alongside the older field guides included, and the classic wooden bird hide is only briefly touched on in the 2012 Biotope hide spread.

The size and layout of the book are ideal for comfortably dipping in and out of at the bedside or coffee table. In fact, the information is so consumable that some could devour it in a single sitting but, however you enjoy it, A History of Birdwatching in 100 Objects will provide you with intriguing insights into how our hobby has grown to be the hugely popular outdoor pursuit that we know today.

• A History of Birdwatching in 100 Objects can be purchased from the Birdwatch bookshop here.