BEZEMER KWL (1989) Dutch Ornithological Union: Crispin James Fisher, 1940 - 1989. LIMOSA 62 (3): 162-162.

On 15 June 1989 Crispin James Fisher suddenly died at an age of only 48 years. Crispin was educated at Eton and studied graphic design at Leicester College of Arts. He was a son of the well known ornithologist, broadcaster and writer James Fisher, who died in 1970. The father's interest communicated itself to his son at a very early age, and he never lost it. Despite James' dedication to ornithology, it was Crispin's great-uncle, Arnold W. Boyd, who especially encouraged Crispin's interest in birds and wildlife. This eventually led him to become in 1960 head of natural history publishing at William Collins (his department had been virtually established some 40 years ago by J ames Fisher). It was an inspired appointment. Not only did Crispin have a comprehensive grasp of natural history, but he was also familiar with most ofthe eminent people in this field. Crispin brought to the job not only enthusiasm but also an ability to work closely with authors and artists, for whom he was ,a friend rather than simply a publisher. Moreover, he had a delightful sense of humour. Not surprisingly this led to several outstanding books, some of them illustrated by himself like Colin Harrison's An atlas of the birds of the western Palearctic and Norman Elkin's Weather and bird behaviour.

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