Robert Peck’s book on Edward Lear’s career as a zoological illustrator is out; I thought it would be in large part a reprint of his essay in the Harvard Library Bulletin enhanced with reproduction, but it is actually a different, greatly expanded essay, which examines the whole of Lear’s early years and his relationships with several of the most important naturalists of the age. It is a must read book containing quite a lot of new information on Edward Lear.
For more read this review from the Washington Post, which highly recommends the book.
A Blog of Bosh 