Did you know one night while dining at Maxim’s restaurant, Monsieur Flatulenzi’s heart exploded and it took 14 birds to remove his body? You probably didn’t, because Monsieur Flatulenzi was a pigeon. You probably also haven’t heard of Louise, the famous dancing Hookbill from Dubuque, whose neck snapped after her scarf was caught in the wheels of a speeding Buggati. Birds have been largely ignored in the history books, and some of the most interesting birds to ever waddle on this planet were found in Paris during the golden age of European history, The Belle Epoque.

Concisely described and illustrated in 36 pages, this collection shines a light on those feathered artists, writers, performers and fellow eccentrics who made Paris their nest from 1890-1914. From the seedy brothels and absinthe houses to the fine restaurants and cabarets, the reader will learn the secret history of the birds of this unique era. This book is a must for those interested in Paris, birds, history or the highly intoxicated. This is probably not for the serious birdwatcher though, as they are likely to doubt the descriptions and historical accuracy (don’t listen to them, they’re nuts).