Text Box: Richard Rhodes has written John James Audubon, The Making of an American, a fascinating account of the life of a pioneer immigrant to America whose realistic paintings inspired the nation’s love of birds. Audubon’s life story is indeed remarkable, beginning with his voyage from France to America to escape conscription into Napoleon’s armed forces in 1803. As a youth, he is described as a handsome, athletic young man who loved to dress in fashionable clothes and could sing, play several musical instruments, fence, hunt, shoot, ride and draw. He also had a passion for birds that developed into an ambition to Text Box: paint them in a way that would capture their beauty and grace. Jefferson City connection: Ferdinand Rozier, also from France, and an ancestor of the Jefferson City Rozier family, became Audubon’s business partner in retailing imported goods. Their business failed during the depression brought about by the embargo of American ports in the War of 1812. However, it seems apparent that Audubon’s love for birds exceeded his love for business. We are fortunate that he invested so much of his adult life exploring the wilderness of America to find birds that were unknown in the civilized world and painting Text Box: Book About Audubon Reviewed Text Box: them in life-like scenes that were works of art. In the process he endured separation and, for a time, alienation from his family. Debt and lack of income were chronic problems as were all the discomforts and dangers associated with wilderness travel. He was ultimately successful in producing a folio of several hundred birds that received widespread acclaim. In fact English scientific societies were so impressed with Audubon that they ranked him along with Benjamin Franklin as the only two Americans who had made notable achievements in science through the middle of the 19th century. This book will enhance the collection of every Audubon Society member. It would also make a great gift for anyone who loves birds, or who wishes to learn more about early American history. Text Box: Thank you to Birds-I-View for contributing to the great success of this year’s bird seed sale! Over $520 was earned by River Bluffs Audubon Society thanks to the help of Steve and Regina Garr, store owners. They donated $215, 10 percent of sales the day of seed pick up, in addition to helping with bird seed. RBAS also appreciates Barb Duncan and Celeste Koon who were most generous with their time! Thanks also to Jadrian Rathert, Rich George, Tom Shultz, Mark Sullivan, Kay Kasiske, Betty Richey, Hillary and Carl Wakefield and Pat Mantle.