Mark Perzel welcomes author Ellen Williams to discuss her book, "Raven and Crow: The Mythology, Art, and Science of Our Favorite Black Birds." Hear about the extensive global mythology surrounding these birds, exploring their fascinating roles as creators and tricksters. Williams also shares amazing scientific insights, noting that crows and ravens are great communicators, toolmakers and rank among the most intelligent animals on the planet. Did you know researchers have identified that ravens possess "theory of mind," allowing them to predict what another animal or human is thinking or about to do? A truly fascinating listen!
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FEATURED TITLE
Raven and Crow: The Mythology, Art and Science of Our Favorite Black Birds. McFarland, softcover (2025) ISBN: 9781476695006 mcfarlandbooks.com/product/raven-and-crow
BOOK DESCRIPTION
Ravens and crows, both members of the Corvidae family, have long captured human imagination. Ornithologists have noted their problem-solving capabilities, but the interest extends beyond science. Artists are moved to depict them, while backyard bird enthusiasts delight in their antics. Found around the world, the raven and the crow have inspired thousands of myths, legends, and fairytales. These stories regard corvids as powerful beings, with the crow sometimes seen as a witch or a goddess in disguise, and the raven portrayed as a creator-trickster being. The fascination with these birds spans centuries, and they are represented in mythology from every corner of the planet.
This book explores the multi-dimensional aspects of ravens and crows; they are the subject of scientific research as well as ancient texts and artwork. From traditional and contemporary renderings of the birds in art, to the wealth of mythology about them, the enigmatic nature of the birds remains a point of fascination for many. Recent scientific findings have revealed a use of language, problem-solving skills, and the ability to count, positioning these birds at the intersection of science, mythology, and art.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ellen Williams is a retired museum professional with a deep interest in art and culture. Her career started at the American Museum of Natural History, in the Special Projects Department, where she organized events that eventually included the first Margaret Mead Film Festival, now a renowned showcase for international films on culture. She worked as Director of Education at the New England Science Center in Worcester, MA to develop exhibitions, school programs, adult lectures, public events, and small craft flights over Massachusetts' spectacular fall foliage. Ellen Williams can sometimes be found at the Katonah Museum of Art, working on interpretive materials and docent training for cutting-edge contemporary art shows as well as inspiring cultural exhibitions that explore the intersection of art and society.
OTHER BOOKS BY ELLEN WILLIAMS
Imagining Heaven: Depictions of the Afterlife in World Art Across the Millennia. McFarland, softcover (2024) ISBN: 9781476690452 mcfarlandbooks.com/product/imagining-heaven
We Are Stamford: Immigrants in The City That Works. Building One Community, Stamford, CT, Photography by John Moore; Edited by Ellen W. Williams, softcover (2024) https://b1c.org/wearestamford/
ABOUT MCFARLAND
McFarland, a leading independent publisher of academic and general-interest nonfiction books, is perhaps best known for the serious treatment of popular culture. Founded in 1979, McFarland is recognized among authors and readers as adventurous in range and a reliable source of worthy books that other publishers overlook. They have about 8000 unique works for sale and each year publish about 350 new titles. Meeting high library standards has been a major focus since the company began, and many McFarland books have received awards from the academic-oriented (Choice Outstanding Academic Title, ALA Outstanding Reference Work) to the mainstream (Hugo, Edgar, Stoker, and Eisner, among others). www.McFarlandBooks.com
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