For Her Love of Birds

by Jane Melville

Jane Ward Tost defied 19th century societal constraints to become one of England's leading naturalists and taxidermists. A peer of John Gould and John James Audubon, Jane's artistic talent and technical expertise captivated museum visitors around the globe. But Jane's incredible achievements were not easily won. She lived a highly eventful life, showing remarkable resilience in the face of profound difficulties.

Meticulously researched and beautifully written by museum curator, biologist and writer Jane Melville AM, this enthralling biography follows the extraordinary life of Jane Ward Tost (1816-1889), Australia's first salaried female museum employee. Forgotten by history, she left an indelible legacy.

288 pages, Paperback

First published March 31, 2026

About the author

Dr Jane Melville AM is an Australian herpetologist at Museums Victoria. Her research focuses on the taxonomy and genetics of reptiles and amphibians.

Melville was awarded a Churchill Fellowship in 2016 and a Fulbright Fellowship in 2019. She was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the 2021 Queen's Birthday Honours for "significant service to herpetological research, and to the museums sector" and is an associate professor in the School of Biological Sciences at Monash University.

Reviews

[Amanda Witt]

An amazing story about a woman in a job unusual for her time and who succeeded a few times over in England, Hobart and Sydney.
Told in great detail, it is a page turner of a book.

[Jo Kubeil]

The wait was worth it. Along the way I learnt new words and also developed a sympathy for the female colonists arrival to Australia.