Introduction

The introduction sets out the aims of the book, in terms of introducing Henry Dresser’s life and contributions, and the book’s wider relevance in terms of illustrating shifts in natural history. It introduces Dresser as one of the most remarkable ornithologists of the nineteenth century, giving an outline of his life and achievements before asking the questions ‘who was he? What did he do? How? Why?’ The answers to these questions require an understanding of his working life as a businessman, of scientific society activities, which were related to social class and opportunities, and of the geopolitical situation in terms of colonialism, formal and informal empire. It gives a brief outline of ornithology as a hobby for the wealthy, with links to hunting and shooting, and an outline of bird collecting and preservation methods.