author
J. Lewis (John Lewis) Bonhote
1875–1922
An English zoologist and ornithologist, he wrote lively, accessible books about birds while also building a serious scientific reputation. His work ranged from British birdlife to field studies in the Bahamas and beyond.
1 Audiobook
Birds of Britain
by J. Lewis (John Lewis) Bonhote
About the author
Born in London on 13 June 1875, John Lewis James Bonhote was educated at Harrow School and Trinity College, Cambridge. He is usually known in print as J. Lewis Bonhote, and he combined careful scientific work with a gift for writing about the natural world in a way that general readers could enjoy.
Bonhote worked as private secretary to the Governor of the Bahamas in the late 1890s, an experience that fed his interest in tropical wildlife. He later became closely involved with ornithological societies in Britain and served in important roles for bird-study organizations, while also publishing books and articles on birds, mammals, and natural history.
As an author, he is especially remembered for books such as Birds of Britain and other popular natural history works that helped bring bird study to a wider audience. He died in Bournemouth, Dorset, on 10 October 1922, leaving behind a body of writing valued by both specialists and curious readers.