Cockfighting Books

Very complete book about breeding, handling, preparing cocks. Also interesting for all the breeds over the world.

A book that would be the envy of any cocker's personal home library. Comprehensive and most informative. Truly the ultimate cockers' reference book, A thru Z. I came across this book while researching cockfighting on the island of GUAM. Now I'm trying to acquire this jewel of a book for my own personal reference.

one thing that you must remember with this book; it is a case book, not written in regular story form. however, once you start to read this and realize that it is written in a thesis/documentary form, it takes on a life of it's own. this book is not written to assist the lost 'cocker', but more or less to share and help shed some light on factual practice, and help to possibly understand the connection; or at least some of it, with ancient and modern man and the true importance of cocckfighting in society, past and present. i truly did enjoy this book, and highly recommend it to others with similar intrests.

This was a whole lot different than the DVD of the same name I bought from an African guy on 10th Avenue.

Before reading 'Cockfighter' I knew nothing of cockfighting. Now I know more than I thought possible, which I guess is a good thing. :-) Thankfully Charles Willeford's cockfighting education manual is actually a darn good read.

Cockfighting is gruesome, and Willeford does not sanitize the sport in any way. In a rather balanced way he describes cockfighting and cockfighters. The main character in this novel is obsessed in winning the 'super bowl' of cockfighting. He lives for cockfighting. Quite honestly, it's a rather depressing existence. Thankfully Willeford's attention to detail rises just above the boredom level. And the ending is very exciting indeed.

Bottom line: certainly not a book for everyone. Yet it's compassion to this nasty blood sport should be lauded.

I read it years ago and I still haven't recovered. When you are through, you will understand how gambling becomes insanity, its rituals imposing a twisted order on full blown psychosis. As a work of first person narrative, it's breathtaking. The other books by the same author will not prepare you for the intensity of this story. If Jim Thompson is too dark for you, don't read this: you will be jumping right out of the window.

Cock fighting, is a fierce, take-no-prisoners battle. At times, as we discover in Frank Manley's lean, movingly drawn debut novel, coming of age can also be a protean struggle.
Twelve-year-old "Sonny," the only name he is given, lives with his parents in a trailer beneath the shadow of Snake Nation Mountain. His momma longs to hold him close; his daddy, Jake Cantrell, raises fighting cocks for a living, and wants the boy to emulate him. Sonny is so anxious to oblige, to be a man that he views his mother as "...a hundred-pound weight dragging him back. If she had her way, he'd be a girl."
Paying the ultimate compliment, Jake gives Sonny his prize cock, a champion, a three-time winner, and is going to allow the boy to pit him. The cock is a Gray; Sonny names him Lion because his daddy had told him that "Of all the animals in the world, the cock and the lion are the only ones steadfast."
Explaining that "the wilder they are, they better they fight," Jake orders Sonny to stay away from the cocks lest he tame them. Nonetheless, the boy loves Lion, and when he lifts the cock out of his cage to put him in a traveling case, he can't resist holding him in his arms, "pressing him against his chest with both hands the way he would a cat or a puppy."
Surely there can't be many more dismally offensive places than the low bleacher banked buildings dotted with sawdust sprinkled pits where gamecocks fight to their deaths. Mr. Manley projects these scenes, as well as the fierce battles during which the animals gaff one another, with unsparing reality.
As plans are made for Sonny to present Lion, Jake hopes to win big, gaining the sympathy of the crowd with a boy handler. Homer, his momma's alcoholic brother will help them by taking bets.
The telling moment comes when Sonny and Lion are on their own in a hogwire fenced pit facing a cunning snakeskin booted Tennessee handler who twists the gaff each time he pulls it from Lion's body. As Lion's wounds increase in severity, Sonny looks to a referee who refuses to interfere.
Perhaps for Sonny the events of this day will be a landmark in his life, as that is when he realizes that he is not like his father nor would he wish to be. The beauty and the answer, he discovers, is found in each of us being different.
That's hard won knowledge for the boy and how he expresses this realization is found in the story's disturbing but perhaps inexorable conclusion, leaving the reader at a loss as to whether to smile or weep at Sonny's loss of innocence.
With The Cockfighter Mr. Manley offers a psychologically deep, fully imagined coming-of-age tale rife with pain and possibility.


- Gail Cooke

You can't really relate to another man's (or woman's) obsession, but "Cockfighter" does a impressive job of drawing the reader into the psyche of Frank Mansfield, the single-minded hero of this pretty intense novel. Frank's goal in life is to win the Cockfighter of the Year award, and he's taken a vow not to speak another word until he does so. In relating silent Frank's journey, the author takes us on a memorable trip through the cockfighting pits of the Southern U.S. and allows us a close-up look at the rugged, obsessive, fiercely individualistic types who haunt them. You will learn from this novel virtually everything you could conceivably wish to know about cockfighting; the details feel absolutely authentic. Above all, though, it's a convincing portrait of a man driven half-mad by his private demons.

I just discovered this book and am blown away by the story and its realism. The writing is straightforward and direct. Martin really knows how to turn a phrase.

Martin has been there and knows how to write about prison life and ex-cons with style and humor.

Martin writes like a third grader. his story is pointless, lacks energy, and is the product of a dull imagination. Why anyone thinks an ex-con is by nature a good storyteller is beyond me. Save your money.

Though I had enjoyed 'The Dishwasher', I had held off buying this book due to the descriptions I'd read (**-fightin'? who cares...). When I finally convinced myself to buy it, I became a total believer. Far better than his earlier works, "In the Hat" has movie material written all over it.

Raw, unremitting and expertly dealt, "In the Hat" is worth every penny.

You want to know about prison life? This is a book that you "feel" is right about prisoners and their friends on the outside. The summary of this book does not do it justice. Dannie Martin knows how to tell a story and his characters are extremely well drawn. A great read.

Frank Manely expertly weaves a tale of one family's struggle. The story is that of a thirteen-year-old boy who assists his father who raises roosters. Sonny, the son of Jake and Lily, is finally going to be allowed to handle the roosters at the cockfights. The big day arrives and the prize rooster, is prepared to fight. However Sonny has made a pecadillo, he did not notice that Lion has "the white head." This aillment will cause Lion to die. Manely's characters captivate.

If I could I would give this book -5 stars. Due to it's lack of plot, Character development, or reality. All the characters in this book are so fickle, and extreme in their emotions that you can not help not caring for their situation. There is apx. 4 chapters of worthless writing before the plot! Mr. Manely never tells how cocks are raised, what they need, nor do you get to know the boy or his cock. Finally this book has extremely vulgar refrences. Usually relating to sex. If you would like a good read I suggest Maya Angelou's "I KNOW WHY THE CAGED BIRD SINGS." It is intelligent, smart, intresting, thought provacative and brings you into Ms. Angelou's world. Happy reading !

This quick novel, almost a novella it reads so fast, is a strong telling of a young man/old boy's coming of age by way of a reclamation/realization of himself from his parents, particularly his father.
Jake is Sonny's father, a hard man, embodying the strict emotionless nature of a survivalist and an entrepreneur. For years now Jake has raised and successfully fought chicken's at his Snake Nation Cock Farm, and the time has come for Sonny to take part. Sonny's interest and appreciation for his father and his lifestyle is monumental, though challenged by his mother Lily and ne'er-do-well uncle Homer, whose patheticness Jake ridicules. Sonny is ripe to be an apprentice, and Jake knows it, but throughout the story Sonny begins to recognize that he is not his father, cannot be him...
Manley has created terrifically visible characters, from Sonny and his family to the tramps the guys encounter at the cockfight, to the chickens themselves. On top of which his writing style is smooth and easy, as well as quite poetic and passionate.
A strong story, illumination of a brutal, horrendous sub-cultural sport, and of a family over-wrought by a man, and his son's coming out from under him....

thank you for your review of "one weak to freedom"

Cock fightingis a fierce, take-no-prisoners battle. At times, as we discover in Frank Manley's lean, movingly drawn debut novel, coming of age can also be a protean struggle.
Twelve-year-old "Sonny," the only name he is given, lives with his parents in a trailer beneath the shadow of Snake Nation Mountain. His momma longs to hold him close; his daddy, Jake Cantrell, raises fighting cocks for a living, and wants the boy to emulate him. Sonny is so anxious to oblige, to be a man that he views his mother as "...a hundred-pound weight dragging him back. If she had her way, he'd be a girl."
Paying the ultimate compliment, Jake gives Sonny his prize cock, a champion, a three-time winner, and is going to allow the boy to pit him. The cock is a Gray; Sonny names him Lion because his daddy had told him that "Of all the animals in the world, the cock and the lion are the only ones steadfast."
Explaining that "the wilder they are, they better they fight," Jake orders Sonny to stay away from the cocks lest he tame them. Nonetheless, the boy loves Lion, and when he lifts the cock out of his cage to put him in a traveling case, he can't resist holding him in his arms, "pressing him against his chest with both hands the way he would a cat or a puppy."
Surely there can't be many more dismally offensive places than the low bleacher banked buildings dotted with sawdust sprinkled pits where gamecocks fight to their deaths. Mr. Manley projects these scenes, as well as the fierce battles during which the animals gaff one another, with unsparing reality.
As plans are made for Sonny to present Lion, Jake hopes to win big, gaining the sympathy of the crowd with a boy handler. Homer, his momma's alcoholic brother will help them by taking bets.
The telling moment comes when Sonny and Lion are on their own in a hogwire fenced pit facing a cunning snakeskin booted Tennessee handler who twists the gaff each time he pulls it from Lion's body. As Lion's wounds increase in severity, Sonny looks to a referee who refuses to interfere.
Perhaps for Sonny the events of this day will be a landmark in his life, as that is when he realizes that he is not like his father nor would he wish to be. The beauty and the answer, he discovers, is found in each of us being different.
That's hard won knowledge for the boy and how he expresses this realization is found in the story's disturbing but perhaps inexorable conclusion, leaving the reader at a loss as to whether to smile or weep at Sonny's loss of innocence.
With The Cockfighter Mr. Manley offers a psychologically deep, fully imagined coming-of-age tale rife with pain and possibility.

- Gail Cooke

I loved this book. There was so much information about the Appalachian culture and what they do things a certain way. The stories about funerals was so funny that I was laughing out loud. I am so glad I read this book and as going to start the next book right away. You will not be sorry that you read this book.

FOWL PLAY is the kind of well-written, satisfying average mystery that keeps us one-a-day mystery addicts going. I would give it a "C+" which is not a bad grade for a first novel; Patricia Tichenor Westfall is better at her craft than many much more experienced writers. The four aspects of this small town mystery that particularly interested me were her sleuth Molly West (an intelligent and believable 50+), her elder characters (especially the admirable and independent 70+ Louella), her never-cutesy use of Appalachian folk culture (yes, sometimes Molly's husband Ken gets a little talky, but it's interesting talk and believable coming from a Soc prof), and her portrayal of the lives of the working poor. I look forward to reading future books in this series.

Molly West is an ex-Chicagoan accountant, transplanted to southern Ohio due to her husband's position as a sociology professor at the nearby college. Although they have lived there for fifteen years, they are still considered outsiders by the Appalachian community. Although not an outstanding mystery, I found myself engrossed in learning more about the Appalachian culture. Ms Westfall enlightens the reader about the ways of the hill people. Her next book, Mother of the Bride, also a Molly West mystery, is even more enjoyable.

Inaccurate information on game fowls. Illustrations are taken from classic English books. There are no illustrations of true American game fowls. Poor quality.

I can see people have tagged this book as "cruel" "Disgusting" etc. The Idiocy in that is remarkable considering the book is about poultry at shows. The point of the book, with colorful illustrations and standards is intended for the poultry show hobbyist who likes gamefowl. Gamefowl, like all other breeds of chickens can make wonderful hobby farm livestock, and the best reward can be getting the winning ribbon stuck on your pen at a show. This book was written to standardize the american gamefowl since its show history is a relativly recent one. People who tag this book for somthing that its not are showing everyone how foolishly presumtuos they are.

i would have made a video review to show how "Get errr done!" this book was but out of respect for them PETA, i withheld my excitement. Great book and i recommend it to anyone that is involved with wrestling or cockfighting..so on and so fourth. I originially bought it for grandma but she can get my next order for it.

Why is Amazon selling books that teach animal torture? Are they that greedy?
This is only one title that teaches cockfighting or dogfighting.
Sick, sick, sick.

To whom is offended this book is offered on amazon.com,

GROW UP. If you don't like this kind of book or its subject matter, then guess what? DON'T LOOK AT IT. STOP GOING TO THIS PAGE. AND STOP TRYING TO GET A REACTION OUT OF STUPIDITY. I admit I will not order this book nor am interested in doing so.. however. For those that would like to they are American citizens and that is their choice. Just because you buy, own, read or know this material or book DOESN'T mean you beat, abuse or kill animals. Seriously grow up and stop acting like childish babies. I sure hope to high heavens that amazon.com doesn't change a thing for the likes of you people. Your probably the same people that made snide remarks about anyone other than yourselves, then cry when you don't get your way.

Well I for one sincerely hope that amazon.com posts more books and such as these just to spite you people. And for your information I'm sure if you go into any bookstore or library, your gonna find similar material in there also. Are you gonna try and ban those as well, or stop going to them or your kids? IT'S INFORMATION, IT'S NOT ACTUALLY HURTING ANYTHING. That is like seeing someone reading a police report book and thinking they are going to hurt someone. Come on. Grow up. Get a life. And please stop harrassing amazon.com and people who don't really care when you don't get your way.

Toodles

This book is great. It is not illegal. It is not garbage. Cockfighting is not illegal in every state. And lastly people breed game cocks and show them who dont fight them.

AMAZON I AM A CUSTOMER AND THANK YOU FOR HAVING THESE BOOKS.

PETA and the nazis both would have you get rid of books.

Amazon-CEO you help and support trafficking in criminal materials in the name of Free Speech." BUT" There is no First Amendment protection for speech that proposes unlawful commercial transactions--let alone speech that is on its face criminal because it promotes and incites criminal animal cruelty. Many legal experts agree that there is no First Amendment protection for the sale and distribution of the magazines. This world has enough problems why help and enable the criminal mind? If you claim not to support animal abuse why put it out there for sleezy readers? The magazines' advertisements are nothing more than a solicitation to commit a crime. Is your profit from dirty money worth all this? You sold video's also. I'm sorry for that and hope one day you will support life and not the death of innocent creatures. There are giant mega merchants that put there foot down for a good cause, why couldn't you do that? Who's the animal here????

Interesting book on what has recently become such a trendy topic of outrage. Cockfighting is illegal in my state and I have no intention of violating that law. Nonetheless, I am glad that in this nation, founded on freedom, particularly of information and knowledge (the only way a democracy can function), I was able to read about the subject to satisfy my curiosity about the outrage towards the sport.

It occurs to me that most reviewers here have probably little to no firsthand knowledge of much that occurs with our domesticated animals, be they for meat or dairy or laying...they certainly display a close-minded and hysterical attitude in their reviews towards 'cruelty' that is obviously mired in ignorance.

I wish that before screaming their self-aggrandizing, high-handed moral biases...people would at the least read the book. Anyways, bravo to anyone who doesn't bow and scrape to would-be moral tyrants who scream on the 'innanets' (that's humorous irony in itself, I think).

Once again: interesting read on what is obviously very deep subject matter.

They've got just as much blood on their hands as those that participate in this national travesty. Too bad you can't rate something no stars.

This writer takes the usual urban view of cockfights. It's all about blood and guts,
but cocks have been fighting in the wild for hundreds of thousands of years. Man has only taken this wonderful product of nature and offered it a life of protection,
shelter and a consistent food supply.

These birds live a very full life, unlike the ones in the "chicken factories", where they are jammed together and shot up with so many chemicals to grow to full size in 5 weeks that they can barely stand on their two feet. Should one of them get a small
scab on their heads, the other will peck them to death and cannibalism is an ongoing problem.

Which would you rather be, a healthy game cock who has a chance to fight and win and retire to a life of leisure as a breeding stud? At least, in cockfighting you have a chance for freedom and leisure, what chance does the factory chicken have that you are eating on the grill tonight.

The actual act of fighting is about 1% of what is involved in raising, breeding and
fighting game cocks. 99% is in taking care of them, feeding them, selecting for
breeding purposes etc. Making sure they are out of drafts in the winter, so building
their coops and cages etc takes up a big part of their care to keep them safe from
predators. Feeding them special high protein feed with other natural additives to keep them healthy for breeding purposes.

People who know nothing about Gamecocks, beyond a fight should decide not to
attend if it's not to their liking, but leave othes alone to carry on an American tradition that goes back George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln. Keep your urban, effete attitudes in the city, not out in the country of which
you know nothing. Chickens aren't grown in styrofoam packages in your grocer's
meat aisle.