For Her Love of Birds: The Extraordinary Untold Story of Jane Ward Tost

20 April 2026

Dr Jane Melville with her new book: For Her Love of Birds: The Extraordinary Untold Story of Naturalist and Taxidermist Jane Ward Tost (left) and the publication (right)

The overlooked impact of women in science and the tensions between motherhood, marriage and professional ambition are at the heart of internationally renowned biologist and Museums Victoria Research Institute Senior Curator Dr Jane Melville’s debut biography, For Her Love of Birds: The Extraordinary Untold Story of Naturalist and Taxidermist Jane Ward Tost.

This captivating historical biography tells the story of Jane Ward Tost, Australia’s first and most accomplished female taxidermist. Born in 1816 into one of London's most noted families in the bird trade and taxidermy, Jane forged a pioneering career, moving from London to Australia, working alongside renowned ornithologists John Gould and John James Audubon.

The book charts Jane’s professional achievements and uncovers her personal tragedies in a gripping narrative that encourages readers to draw parallels to the enduring pressures of work, marriage, and motherhood today. From a shipwreck on her voyage to Tasmania to the deaths of three children, financial ruin, and the collapse of her marriage, she defied expectations and gender norms to become Australia’s leading taxidermist of her time and Australia’s first female salaried employee.

In a field that remains largely dominated by men to this day, Jane’s impact on the taxidermy practice is remarkable. There are still birds held in museum collections globally supplied by Jane’s business, and locally, her work is still held in collections at the Australian Museum in Sydney.

Dr Melville, who grew up in Tasmania, the very colony that features so centrally in Jane Ward Tost’s own story, now heads vertebrate research at Museums Victoria Research Institute, bringing a personal connection to the story. ‘Jane Ward Tost’s life highlights the extraordinary contributions of women naturalists in the 1800s, many of whom remain overlooked,’ she says. ‘Through research, archival discoveries and an understanding of museum collections, I could bring her story to life and illustrate the critical role these women played in shaping our understanding of Australia’s fauna.’

The book explores themes of women in science, resilience in the face of adversity, migration, and the wonders of the natural world. It is destined to be a favourite among lovers of narrative non-fiction, natural history, Australian birds, and lost female narratives. Early praise comes from author and scientist Jonathan Losos:

‘Fast-paced and delightfully written! Internationally renowned zoologist Dr Jane Melville tells the inspiring story of an unheralded pioneer of Australian science, Jane Ward Tost, who overcame repeated adversity to forge a brilliant career in a nineteenth-century man’s world.’

For Her Love of Birds is available at Museums Victoria Store and leading bookstores across Australia and New Zealand.

For further information, visit the Museums Victoria Store website.

Book Details:

• Title: For Her Love of Birds
• Subtitle: The extraordinary untold story of naturalist and taxidermist Jane Ward Tost
• Author: Dr Jane Melville, Senior Curator, Terrestrial Vertebrates, Museums Victoria Research Institute
• Publication Date: 1 April 2026
• Availability: Museums Victoria Store, trade bookstores across Australia and New Zealand