Bill Bailey to publish comic guide to birds

Bill Bailey

Bill Bailey is to publish a book about British birds in October.

The factual book takes a comic view of birds and birdwatching, including Bailey's own drawings, notes and cartoons.

Bill Bailey's Remarkable Guide To British Birds is described by publishers Quercus as "a collection of observations and thoughts about birds which incorporates Bailey's knowledge, insight and enthusiasm, as well as plenty of wry wit".

The company's non-fiction publisher, Katy Follain says: "Bill Bailey is internationally renowned as a supremely gifted comedian. Alongside many other editors, I have been pursuing him for years to write a book, and we are beyond thrilled that he responded with such enthusiasm when we approached him with this idea. It is a huge privilege and honour to be welcoming him as an author into the Quercus fold. The book will be original, fun and a complete visual feast."

It is titled after his 2009 live show Bill Bailey's Remarkable Guide To The Orchestra, which was also factual.

Bailey says: "Writing this book has been a real pleasure. My hope is that it will encourage people of all ages to discover the world of birds."

Bill Bailey's Remarkable Guide To British Birds will be published on 20th October. The book is now available to pre-order in both hardback and ebook formats.


Bill Bailey - Bill Bailey's Remarkable Guide To British Birds

"When herons are spooked they have a habit of vomiting as a defence. Half-digested pieces of eel and water vole skull on your head is not a good look. Just so you know."

Bill Bailey's Remarkable Guide To British Birds is all about comedian Bailey's love of birds. A visual feast - it is packed with illustrations, sketches and notes by Bailey - as well as informative, it is funny and insightful, and positively crackles with energy, knowledge and wit as he takes us on a journey around the British isles, zooming in on those birds that enthuse him the most. Whether it's what they eat, where they fly to or how they communicate, these birds are always fascinating, and Bailey introduces us to their weird and wonderful ways in a manner that is always entertaining. If you're a parent who'd like to appear a bit clever when your child asks you the name of a bird; if you want to find a new and healthy hobby that takes you outdoors; or whether, quite simply, you want to understand a bit more about our natural environment and have a laugh at the same time, this is the perfect companion book to have.

Alongside music and stand-up, one of Bailey's favourite pastimes is birdwatching, which he has been doing since he was a child in the West Country. His fondest memories are of family outings with parents, grandparents and cousins, ticking the birds off in his little Observer's Book of Birds. As he has said about those formative years, "birdwatching gave a purpose to the day and a love of the natural world which has carried on into my adult life".

A beautifully and originally designed hardback, it will delight Bailey's fans as well as those who like a bit of armchair escapism.

First published: Thursday 20th October 2016

  • Publisher: Quercus
  • Pages: 224
  • Catalogue: 9781786483768

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  • Published: Thursday 17th May 2018
  • Publisher: Quercus
  • Pages: 320
  • Catalogue: 9781786487131

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Published: Friday 26th August 2016

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