From an early age, Liu Ka-Shiang has channeled the spirit of the nineteenth century natural historian in his explorations of the world around him, earning him the nickname Birdman among his friends. He brings a poet’s eye and a historian’s attention to detail to bear on Taiwan’s diverse flora, fauna and its people. He has published over forty books to date, including poetry, essays and novels, as well as travel writing, bringing him a slew of the country’s top literary awards.