Penny Olsen is an award-winning research scientist and author. She has written more than 30 books on Australia's natural history and its practitioners. Feather and Brush developed from her belief that Australia has a fascinating ornithological history, which is incomplete without full recognition of the contributions of artists and illustrators.
"""Selected for their ornithological, historical or artistic interest, the illustrations range from classical and quirky to decorative, functional, monumental and intimate. They collectively demonstrate the rich history of Australian bird art, showing how it has evolved in Europe and Australia, and how it continues today in line with modern trends and technology."" * On the Self Books, ABC Gardening Australia * ""Far from a simple book of images—although it’s lavishly illustrated, its well-researched text delves into the circumstances and stories behind many of the artworks and the people who painted them."" -- John Peter * Australian Birdlife * ""The book is in two parts, the first being an expository history of the development of bird illustration and art, and the second a catalogue of the works of contemporary and recently deceased artists. It is a product of deep scholarship and familiarity with the subject. [...] I congratulate the author for bringing us this revised and expanded version of her original work."" -- Trevor Hodson * Historical Records of Australian Science 33(2) *"