Explore the remarkable life and work of Edward Lear, focusing on his masterpiece of 42 parrot illustrations, in this 47-minute talk by Linnean Society librarian Will Beharrell. Discover the challenges Lear faced while creating this ornithological masterpiece as a teenager, learn about his connections to scientific and artistic communities, and gain insights into his troubled personal life. Delve into the intricate details of Lear's illustration process, including the use of egg white and his preliminary drawings. Examine the book's binding, subscriber list, and its place within the Naturalist Library. Investigate Lear's interactions with other notable figures like Darwin and explore the lasting impact of his work on ornithological illustration. Gain a deeper appreciation for Lear's contributions to both nonsense verse and scientific illustration through this informative presentation.