Image of Bradford Torrey

Timeline

Lifetime: 1843 - 1912 Passed: ≈ 112 years ago

Title

American ornithologist

Country/Nationality

United States
Wikipedia

Bradford Torrey

Bradford Torrey (1843-1912) was an American ornithologist and nature writer. He is best known for his essays on birds and the natural world, which were published in magazines such as The Atlantic Monthly and Bird-Lore. Torrey was a keen observer of nature, and his writing is characterized by its accuracy, insight, and humor.

Principles

Torrey believed that nature writing should be both informative and engaging. He wanted to teach his readers about the natural world, but he also wanted to entertain them. He believed that nature writing should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their scientific knowledge.

Famous for

Torrey is most famous for his essays on birds. He was a founding member of the American Ornithologists' Union, and he wrote extensively on the habits and habitats of North American birds. He is also known for his essays on other aspects of the natural world, such as trees, flowers, and insects.

Notable works

Some of Torrey's notable works include:

  • A Florida Sketch-Book (1895)
  • Birds in the Bush (1898)
  • Spring Notes from Tennessee (1904)
  • Friends on the Shelf (1906)
  • Field Notes from Labrador (1908)
  • Footing It in Franconia (1910)
  • A World to Win (1912)

Philosophy

Torrey's philosophy of nature writing was based on the belief that nature is a source of beauty, wisdom, and inspiration. He believed that we can learn a great deal about ourselves and the world around us by observing and appreciating the natural world.

Death and legacy

Torrey died in 1912 at the age of 68. He is remembered as one of the most important nature writers of the Golden Age of American Literature. His work continues to be read and enjoyed by readers today.

How is he remembered?

Torrey is remembered for his contributions to the fields of ornithology and nature writing. He is also remembered for his warm and engaging personality, which shines through in his writing.

Books by Bradford Torrey

A Rambler's Lease Cover image

A Rambler's Lease

Fiction History
Essay War Nature Exploration Environment Inspirational Introspection

In the embrace of the wild, where the whispers of nature weave a timeless tale, "A Rambler's Lease" beckons. Bradford Torrey's literary sojourn is an ode to the enchanting New England countryside, an intimate dialogue between the soul and the great o...

Florida Sketch-Book Cover image

Florida Sketch-Book

Non-Fiction Essays Travel
19th century Exploration Travel Conservation Biodiversity Natural history Ecology Essays Nature writing Florida Flora Fauna

This book is a collection of essays about the flora and fauna of Florida, written by a Massachusetts-based naturalist in the late 19th century. The essays are full of detailed observations and descriptions of the natural world, and they provide a val...