Falconry Books

I purchased this book over a year ago and found after the first chapter that it was uninteresting. Finally, I went back to it and am pleased I did.
The following chapters on the beasts and fowl hunted by hound, hawk and other methods are very good reads. At times the olde English which accounts for about one quarter of the book really are difficult as 1400 English is not modern English, but in saying that there is a definite charm to it being included and it is a thankful reality.
John Cummins unlike most modern historians is superb in easily telling a story when he needs to do his vocation and then sits back and allows the original texts to tell the story. Cummins appears in his work to have an existential experience with the world he is speaking, instead as I stated before with most historians these days who write from cramped apartments smelling of book mold.....Mr. Cummins also pleasingly does not include his ego in writing his opinions. In this book, you see the world through the eyes of era 1400 hunters.
I did find one mistake in his writing as to why a hunter of that period would dress as a huge woodcock, in thinking size mattered. In truth, for birds that are preyed upon, like geese, a decoy 6 feet tall actually has more appeal than a regular size decoy, that explanation should have been secured by Mr. Cummins.
The only drawback, beside the first chapter, was he only wrote a few paragraphs about the setters when employed in hawk and other hunting. As one who has a great affection for the Irish Setter, I would have liked a chapter on the intricate training of this breed.
In relating all of that, this book pleased me as it is historical prose. I will look for Mr. Cummins other books on Christopher Columbus and Francis Drake as I am certain after this book, he will not displease me in reciting history through the words of those in which he records.

Over all, an excellent introduction to the world of the Medieval Hunt. Some knowledge of medieval history and/or study is helpful, as the author does sometimes seem to assume you know what he is talking about. Full of vivid descriptions, (especially concerning the chapters refering to "Par Force" hunting) One can almost see the Hunt as it unfolds. The chapters concerning the "Par Force" and the "Bow and Stable" Hunts are excellantly done with much intricate detail covering everything from how the hounds were taken care of to how much the Huntsman made. This section alone makes the book worth purchasing. The section on falconry, I found was not quite so in depth as the "Hounds" section, though it was definately useful and interesting.

This book is essential for anyone who wants to know about western European medieval hunting. Cummins admirably completes the task of being thorough, with frequent references to and quotations of primary texts. The structure makes the book easy to follow and inclusions of anecdotes and poems makes the reading fun.

This book captures both the practice and the romance of hunting throughout the centuries of the middle ages. It is generous of detail. My one complaint might be that there is little attempt to discuss different practices in different regions of Europe, though the author acknowledges the existence of slight regional variations and does try to delve into them here and there.

It is hard to imagine that any other book on the subject need be written for some time.

I liked this book very much. The author was specific and didn't put in any useless information. It also had a good theme, you can't judge a book by its cover. There was enough detail so you could visualize what things looked like, but not to much that it got boring. I would recommend this book to someone else.

The worst part of the book was that it wasn't that exciting. The whole story was about a wild boywho got a name and a home. The book wasn't long enough to have to have enough excitment. That was the only bad thing about the book.

The setting and the characters were the most vivid to me. The author gave detail to make the setting appear real in my mind. The characters that lived in these settings seemed as real as their home. It was as if you were watching a movie with subtitles.

This story is about an eight-year-old boy who is abandoned in the woods of medieval England. A year passes. A year of hunger, sleeping in trees, and outrunning packs of wild dogs. Until one day a man, who lives near by, captures him and takes the boy home with him. While the boy is living with the man, the man teaches the young boy to be mature. Then one day when the boy reveals something he never knew before.

My opinion is this book is boring because it does not tell you enough information. It is too short and if it had more details it might be okay. And it does not have enough stuff a good book should have.

I thought this book was very bad. it was too short, and incredibly pointless. I heard it was good, but it is not, it is very bad.

I do not know why this book was published as part of a trilogy, rather than the trilogy being one larger book. Nevertheless, it's a must-see for lovers of lyrical wording.

This book follows the early life of a young boy abandoned in the forest, who rapidly forgets who he is and where he has come from. He adjusts rapidly, though, living in the glory of nature, outside of contact with other humans. His one fear, however, is dogs.

He is found and adopted by a kind woodsman named Robin, the boy's fatherly reintroduction to the human race. The scenes in which Merlin encounters such "marvels" as glass are wonderfully done, as is the scene where he remembers his name. We are never told fully where he comes from -- there are only hints at beginning and end.

The writing style is lovely. Yolen is one of the few writers of our time who can captivate with almost no dialogue -- through a good portion of the book, people are not talking. Yet it never grows overdescriptive nor too stark. It's like a very long poem at times, with the descriptions of the forest where Merlin lives and of the things that he sees.

If you want to introduce your kids to Arthurian fiction, start with this. A wonderful book, a must-read! (On to the next two books)

I love Jane Yolen's work; I've been reading her stories for decades, and I rarely find her depth, imagination, and power as a writer surpassed. I know her Merlin story is going to be wonderful too, but I'm disappointed in the marketing of this one. Passager is a chapter, not a part, of the story. I came away feeling overcharged for it, and I've decided to get the remaining volumes out of the library rather than buying them--even though I usually collect Yolen's works. What were they thinking?

this book leaves no aspect on falcons uncovered , it is full of useful information , pictures and illustrations that would prove invalueble . breeds ,habits ,diet, and healthcare ...etc. thus paving the way to a great experience living and hunting with these birds.

This book is definitly not for North American falconers. Many topics seem out dated.

This book does have some interesting information on glove making and bell making.

My argument with this book is with its American publisher and not the author. Even the author expressed a need for more updating in his preface to this 3rd edition. Although published as a revised edition in 1998 it was first published in 1978. Other than the chapter on Health and Disease chapter it has had very little editing to bring it up to date. If you are buying the book thinking you are getting up to date information relating to American falconry you will be very disappointed. The laws in the United Kingdom are very different than ours. In the United States you are required to trap your 1st bird, a Redtail or Kestrel, from the wild. The author is from England where trapping your own bird is illegal. So the information on trapping in the book is very sparse. If you turn to Appendix I for, Some Useful Address, you'll find the address for the North American Falconers Asso. invalid and an address for Pete Asborno bells even though he has passed away. The publisher's claim that this book is the most comprehensive book ever written on the sport is very debatable and with regards to American falconry is absolutely false! The book, North American Falconry and Hunting Hawks, is not only more comprehensive but also up to date. You will probably have to find it at a specialized falconry retailer but it is in print. It's now in its 8th edition and a far better choice for an aspiring American Falconer.

With all my criticism of the publisher, I have none of the author or the book if it was properly represented. It is an excellent, modern classic falconry book that deserves to remain in print.

For anyone seriously considering falconry this is still THE bible albeit there are some ommissions from a US perspective. I have nearly 20 years experience and have read virtually every recognised book on the subject. This is still the book I refer back to the most. A classic.

This book is the necessary book you must have with you, all is explain with simplicity, photographies and pictures. Step by step you will know everything you must know about falconry and hawking.I'm an old falconner and this book is precious for example to make hoods, lure, and pratice medical actions on our birds.

Queen Elizabeth (the first, not Helen Mirren), unwilling to let her enemies catch her unawares, enlists her servants and staff to help her pursue whoever is behind the barely-missed attacks on her person. Determined, clever, and quick-witted, Harper's Elizabeth is a master at managing court and international intrigue while solving yet another murder. Let's hope we have more from this talented author!
Eleanor Sullivan, author of Assumed Dead.

I have long been a fan of Harper's Queen Elizabeth I mystery series and have avidly read each book. They began so steeped in history and rich in character that the reader was transported back to another place and time. However, with her recent offerings something has been lacking. It seems as though the series is petering out and Harper seems to be giving it something of short shrift.

The strong point of the novel is in her strong, vibrant, and fascinating Elizabeth. Harper does an excellent job of portraying a complex woman of great intelligence and passion who also had a formidable temper. I especially like how Francis Drake was drawn into the picture and how his arrival led to Elizabeth's realization that she could have feelings for a man other than her dear Robin. The beginnings of this love triangle are interesting and help to illustrate what was perhaps Elizabeth's greatest tragedy--though a great and powerful leader, she could not succumb to those passions lest she lose said power and all for which she strives to accomplish.

Elizabeth's conflicted feelings about Mary, Queen of Scots are also nicely done and there is a palpable tension to the setting as England is on the even of the northern rebellion. The mystery is nicely interwoven in this and the perpetrator is quite surprising as he has managed to hide himself very effectively from some of Elizabeth's most astute advisers. The attempts on Elizabeth's life nicely portray just how perilous her position was, poised as she was between her adoring public and her scheming nobles.

What is disappointing about this novel and about the last couple of books in general is how little page time some of Harper's interesting tertiary characters get. Over the course of the series, I have grown to care about them as much as Elizabeth and the addition of their trials and tribulations are what has helped lend this series such richness. Meg Milligrew in particular is a character about whom I care a great deal and a great tragedy that she has suffered is given almost a passing mention in the story and is used more as a plot device than anything. Ned and Jenks have also been given precious little time in the last couple of books though both of them have experienced some major life changes about which I would like to know more.

All in all, while I do think that Harper is still as fascinated as ever with Elizabeth I, it seems to me that she is starting to tire of her series. This book and the last lent me the distinct impression that she is in a hurry to wrap the series up and move on and that is really too bad.

The Hooded Hawke
Karen Harper
Dunne, Feb 2007, $23.95
ISBN: 0312338872

In 1569 Queen Elizabeth I continues her effort to strengthen her control of throne while her prime rival Mary, Queen of Scots, and several northern lords brew rebellion. Though concerned over her safety, Elizabeth refuses to be a prisoner as she was when her late stepsister was queen. Accompanied by Francis Drake, she goes out on an outing, but someone tries to assassinate her; killing her falconer instead. A second attack comes close to her while she consulted with her herbalist.

Not one to sit around as a target, Elizabeth begins an investigation as to who is behind the attempts on her life as she suspects it is not the obvious suspects like Mary. She enlist her loyal servants and Francis to help her unravel the truth as she begins to suspect she is not the objective, but that someone else close to the crown is and the assailant also has to be in the inner royals circle. If her theory is wrong, a dead Elizabeth would be the proof.

As always with this delightful sixteenth century mystery series, readers must accept Queen Elizabeth I as a private investigator extraordinaire. If one can accept that basic axiom, the exciting story line is fascinating as the audience obtains a deep look at Elizabethan England inside a cleverly devised whodunit with suspects galore.

Harriet Klausner

It's an incredible telling of the world of falconry in the middle ages. It describes just about everything in detail and is a wonderful resource not only for historical falconry but for modern falconry.

Richard Burton describes his experiences living in the Sindh province (modern day Pakistan). He details the various birds of prey used by the falconers, and relates the tales of his hunting expeditions.

This is definately not a how-to book, rather it is a glimpse at the history of falconry as it was practiced in the Indus valley.

I wanted this book because I had learned so much (though not all I needed to know) from this same author's book "Understanding Owls." Whilst taking on board the author's preference for Birds of Prey other than owls, I have, nevertheless, proceeded to the stage where my own European Eagle Owl is flying free and ready for the next stage where he would (hopefully) be taught to take a rabbit.

It was, therefore, with great excitement that this book - which is, after all, entitled "Falconry," arrived through my letterbox. In no time at all I had read the book and was immediately frustrated because there is neither any detailed description of a lure nor mention of how to get any bird to take one - except that the author professes to make the best rabbit lures after having enjoyed three G&Ts. Well, I have the gin, I have the tonic and plenty of wild rabbits - but still no decent lure or even an inkling of how to introduce the subject to my bird.

All that said, this is an otherwise excellent book for the beginner. It covers most types of bird used in Falconry, the building of aviaries, breeding, medicine, injured wild birds, incubation, brooding, and conservation. Under the general heading "Making a Start," we also have such subjects as; The pen/weathering ground (and how to build them), paths, security, hygiene, the shed, equipment (including a chapter on lures - but, as I said, no description of one!), bags, gloves, blocks, perches, baths food, vets, imprinting and transportation.

If, therefore, you are seriously thinking about taking up Falconry, I would seriously recommend you read this book before purchasing a bird. There is much for the potential Falconer to consider and this book covers those topics is reasonable detail.

Having done that, and you still want to train a bird to fly first to your hand in captive conditions, then to fly free (a most exciting and rewarding experience) and then to hunt, you will need to purchase another book. When I find that book I will undoubtedly put it to the test.

NM

Heinz Meng does a great job telling tales of early work with peregrine falcon. Meng talks about his exploits of catching wild passage peregrines traveling south for the winter on Assatuege Island and his exploits in training. Meng discusses the first attempts to breed a captive peregrine. A must have for any serious falconers library.

I wanted this book because I had learned so much (though not all I needed to know) from this same author's book "Understanding Owls." Whilst taking on board the author's preference for Birds of Prey other than owls, I have, nevertheless, proceeded to the stage where my own European Eagle Owl is flying free and ready for the next stage where he would (hopefully) be taught to take a rabbit.

It was, therefore, with great excitement that this book - which is, after all, entitled "Falconry," arrived through my letterbox. In no time at all I had read the book and was immediately frustrated because there is neither any detailed description of a lure nor mention of how to get any bird to take one - except that the author professes to make the best rabbit lures after having enjoyed three G&Ts. Well, I have the gin, I have the tonic and plenty of wild rabbits - but still no decent lure or even an inkling of how to introduce the subject to my bird.

All that said, this is an otherwise excellent book for the beginner. It covers most types of bird used in Falconry, the building of aviaries, breeding, medicine, injured wild birds, incubation, brooding, and conservation. Under the general heading "Making a Start," we also have such subjects as; The pen/weathering ground (and how to build them), paths, security, hygiene, the shed, equipment (including a chapter on lures - but, as I said, no description of one!), bags, gloves, blocks, perches, baths food, vets, imprinting and transportation.

If, therefore, you are seriously thinking about taking up Falconry, I would seriously recommend you read this book before purchasing a bird. There is much for the potential Falconer to consider and this book covers those topics is reasonable detail.

Having done that, and you still want to train a bird to fly first to your hand in captive conditions, then to fly free (a most exciting and rewarding experience) and then to hunt, you will need to purchase another book. When I find that book I will undoubtedly put it to the test.

NM

I wanted this book because I had learned so much (though not all I needed to know) from this same author's book "Understanding Owls." Whilst taking on board the author's preference for Birds of Prey other than owls, I have, nevertheless, proceeded to the stage where my own European Eagle Owl is flying free and ready for the next stage where he would (hopefully) be taught to take a rabbit.

It was, therefore, with great excitement that this book - which is, after all, entitled "Falconry," arrived through my letterbox. In no time at all I had read the book and was immediately frustrated because there is neither any detailed description of a lure nor mention of how to get any bird to take one - except that the author professes to make the best rabbit lures after having enjoyed three G&Ts. Well, I have the gin, I have the tonic and plenty of wild rabbits - but still no decent lure or even an inkling of how to introduce the subject to my bird.

All that said, this is an otherwise excellent book for the beginner. It covers most types of bird used in Falconry, the building of aviaries, breeding, medicine, injured wild birds, incubation, brooding, and conservation. Under the general heading "Making a Start," we also have such subjects as; The pen/weathering ground (and how to build them), paths, security, hygiene, the shed, equipment (including a chapter on lures - but, as I said, no description of one!), bags, gloves, blocks, perches, baths food, vets, imprinting and transportation.

If, therefore, you are seriously thinking about taking up Falconry, I would seriously recommend you read this book before purchasing a bird. There is much for the potential Falconer to consider and this book covers those topics is reasonable detail.

Having done that, and you still want to train a bird to fly first to your hand in captive conditions, then to fly free (a most exciting and rewarding experience) and then to hunt, you will need to purchase another book. When I find that book I will undoubtedly put it to the test.

NM