Customer Reviews (5)

Nice book
Not written for North Americans but I found this book very useful all the same.This book made a good introduction to falconry and it was a pleasure to read.

Falconry 101
Novices to falconry will find this book a most useful guide.Readers learn about accoutrements the falcons need along with training the falconer and the bird as well as raptor anatomy.

British readers will be up to speed on the laws about falconry, but for readers outside of the United Kingdom, other books will fill in on the legal aspects of falconry.

Falconry basics
I found this book to be veryhelpful for someone with little or no knowledge about
starting out in falconry.Most of my questions were answered and everything was
explained well.

Fine book for begining falconry
For someone just beginning to explore falconry (such as myself) this book is a top-notch starting guide. With extensive instructions on furniture, training, further reading and even hawk anatomy, this book gave me more than enough to get started. The only downside to this book was that the sections on falconry laws focus on British law. If you're not from the UK (as I am not) you will need to find another sourch for this information. Even so, this is a fine book for a beginer, and well worth the cost.

All the information you require.
When you find a book which claims to get down to the "Basics" of any subject - you should expect to find exactly that. Thankfully, this author understands what that words means and delivers the goods.

I am at the stage where my first bird is flying free and is being trained to hunt and, already, I have learned a great deal from this book. Not only is this an excellent book for beginners, I suspect many of those who think they "know it all" will find some useful information here. The artwork is simple and effective - and it works. The text is well written and easy-to-follow. All the different components of such essential items as, for example, the glove, hawking bag, hood, swing lure, creance (to name but five) are shown in the right amount of detail thus creating no confusion whatsoever.

The book itself measures 10in x 7½in (255mm x 190mm) and is packed with almost 250 pages of basic information about Falconry. Altogether, the author has covered every aspect of the sport from; The law, various birds, housing, equipment, furniture, handling, weights, food, training, travel, dogs, ferrets, fitness, illness, injury and lots more besides.

I would suggest this book is an essential addition to the bookshelf of anyone who keeps birds of prey no matter how experienced the keeper might be.In short, there is something here for everyone.

NM

... Read more

Book Description
In this third edition of his classic guide to training, caring for, and hunting with falcons and hawks, Phillip Glasier, an experienced teacher of falconry, continues to provide the best, most detailed information available to the beginner. In conjunction with raptor specialist Greg Simpson, he presents completely new, fully up-to-date coverage of health and disease, as well as in-depth advice on keeping birds of prey loose in an aviary. Both newcomers and those familiar with the sport will find invaluable knowledge.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Not for USA Falconers
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.

if one loves those graceful birds of prey ,this book is a must
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.

Still a bible
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.

Falconry and Hawking
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.

THE NESSARY FALCONRY BOOK
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 falconnerand this book is precious for example to make hoods, lure, and praticemedical actions on our birds. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Very useful
This is a great little book. Frank Beebe packs all the essential information around hawk training into this book, drawing on decades of practical experience and research. Beebe writes with the authority of someone who has actually practised what he is preaching, rather than some authors who seem to have written a falconry book for the sake of personal aggrandizement. He also writes in excellent English, almost with an academic eloquence.

He deals with all three classes of falconry birds: buteos, accipiters and falcons, and draws very useful comparisons between them on temperament, character and hunting application.

Note however that the book is mostly a training manual, and with the exception of a very interesting chapter on the history of falconry regulation in the US, it about trapping, furniture and hunting. If you want a book with detail on hawk care, dog training, breeding and housing then choose another one (I recommend Emma Ford's for all except breeding and dogs, Nick Fox's for the former and Diana Durman-Walters' for the latter). Note also that its a North American text - the chapters on trapping and bagged quarry are of no use to a UK falconer.

SOARS!
This is an excellent book for people who are intrested in falconry.At one time falconry was the sport of the noble gentry.This book does a real service in describing these intelligent, beautiful birds of prey and how falconers work with them.

A must have for prospective falconers.

A great beginners book.
I am relatively new to the world of falconry. As a result, I am reading just about everything I get my hands on. Frank Beebe is an undisputed master on the subject of falconry. I found that Mr. Beebe's style of writing, presents the information in a very easy to read & understand format. After having read this book, it convinced me that I should order his major work entitled "A Compleat Falconer". I am certain that it is most probably "The Bible" for falconry. An excellent book by an excellent author.

Excellent for Beginners
This book has very good information for beginners who are a little confused. A very good profiling on individual species. Also good section on equipment. I found it very informative and worthwhile the price.

Excellent Overview
I found this book to be an excellent overview of Falcony.It has a good section describing the different types of raptors suitable for the sport, and some interesting descriptions and drawings relating to training and equipment.However, I would not attempt to use this book as a "how-to" manual.It doesn't have nearly enough detail on any subject.In places it can be a little difficult to follow.I am pleased with my copy and will be happy to add it to my library. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (6)

Great Falconry Book
This book was great!! It had so much information I had to read it 3 times to get it all. It has so much info like how to make your own equipment,how to train your bird, tells all the equipment you need to have, and so much more.

The book is very good except that most of the book is from a UK point of view. The book has some good adresses in the back for all of your falconry needs. If you are a novice a seasoned falconer,or just someone interested in Birds of Prey you should get this book.

Falconry: Art and Practice
As a somewhat informed novice, I found this book very interesting and informative. It has good descriptions of the birds used in falconry as well as thorough beginning training techniques. However, the buyer should knowthis book was written for falconry in the UK. Topics such as governinglaws, terrain terms and types of quarry are often "foreign" toours in the U.S.

Falconry Bible, for beginners
This book provides an indepth look at all aspects of falconry.The section on preparing to recieve a bird was very helpful and detailed.I have never read a book which has provided such a detailed description ofall common birds used in the sport.I recommend that everyone who isbeginning in this sport, or is considering taking it up should read thisbook. The only problem about this book is that it talks too much about thelaw in England, which is not relevant to us in North America.

An easier read than other books on the subject
I found "Falconry: Art and Practice" very interesting and fascinating.The author included personal details, sometimes humorous, describing the beauty of the art, not just the instructions and facts,helpful as they were.The book was also easy and enjoyable to read.

Essential for anyone interested in Falconry or Raptors
This is a great book for anyone interested in falconry! EmmaFord describes everything in detail and she guided me through myapprenticeship with ease. However, it also contains sound advice for the experienced falconer.

She discusses the most common hawks used in the sport and guides one through the manning and training of the three main groups: Shortwings, Broadwings and Longwings. At the end of the part dealing with the training of the group, she explains hunting with them in detail.

There is a complete chapter on equipment and will help the apprentice to choose the right equipment, with the hawk's safety in mind .

For those unfamiliar with falconry terms, there is a nice glossary explaining them in detail.

I would advise anyone interested in hunting with birds of prey to get this great book by one of the leaders in the field!END ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Hunting is for the Birds
Falconry is one of the oldest field sports in the world, going back to at least 1200BC. Shooting supplanted hawking as a means of providing game birds for the table. Farming plantations reduced the area available for this sport: fewer game birds. Hawking requires open country with few hedges or trees, refuges for birds. Falconry was the chief sport of the aristocracy until the 17th century (p.11).

Hawks are divided into two variants: true falcons (long-winged hawks), and true hawks (short-winged hawks). Falcons are at home in the open country, hawks at woody areas. Hoods are used to control a hawk that would otherwise be so nervous and excitable as to become exhausted. Hooded, it can be carried for miles through streets and railways. There are technical terms used in hawkings (pp.25-27).

The training of hawks on dead and then live birds is an example of Pavlovian conditioning. A dog is used to flush game birds from cover. When one bird in a flock is killed, the rest find a refuge. They will soon be out again, for there is nothing unnatural in being frightened by a hawk; they readily learn to avoid them. Birds learn to take to any ditch to avoid a hawk. Setters are more suited to hawking than pointers. More game birds are taken by shooting. A passage hawk is preferable to a nestling, being stronger and gentler. But eyesses are easier to train. Falcons and other raptors follow the flocks of migrating birds. Pages 55-58 describe the capture of passage hawks; pages 60-64 describe their training.

The book implicitly describes the labor-intensive training of falcons and hawks. Shooting is less labor-intensive and more cost-effective in gathering game birds for the table. It also requires less open country. There are also the increased demands upon time since the 19th century. Falconry has become almost as obsolete as a scythe for cutting grasses. Providing habitats for wild hawks and falcons in suburban areas is one way to lessen the vermin in these areas.

Chapter VI tells of those who renewed interest in this "sport of kings" during the 19th century. Sportsmen who take up hawking rarely abandon it, although the land area needed prevents its general popularity. Chapter VII describes the housing for falcons, their care and treatment, and general hints. The intensive hand labor and care is remarkable. The book tells how to repair broken feathers by 'imping' and 'sewing in'. 'Coping' is the shortening of beak and claws. Hawks appear to suffer from as many and complex diseases as humans.

This 1971 edition is a reprint of the British 1892 edition. ... Read more

Book Description
This 95,000 word, lavishly illustrated encyclopedia contains some 1500 terms and idioms relating to or connected with falconry, with explanations, derivations and notes. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Falconry: The Sport of the Noble Gentry
Falconry is a sport that has long been associated with the noble gentry.Indeed, these beautiful, regal birds do represent an avian, falconine nobility that remains distinct.

For those interested and/or involved in falconry, make this book your best friend.It will provide you with the correct terminology and tips for handling your raptors if you are a falconer.It is a book you will want to keep at hand so as to refresh and reinforce the technical information and jargon in re falconry.

An important addition to the bookshelf.
As with dictionaries and other reference works, nobody sits down to read an encyclopaedia. Instead, I began by carefully studying numerous entries and then put the book to the test by comparing the "glossary of terms" found in two very good books on Falconry to the content of this work.

The book measures 10in x 7¾in (255mm x 195mm) and contains 150 pages packed with information plus an extensive "further reading" section at the end. The publishers claim 95,000 words defining some 1,500 terms used in connection with the sport of Falconry. Those I had selected to study at random were all well described and included the ancient and historic origins of those words (where applicable) in addition to their meaning. The book also contains numerous illustrations to assist the written descriptions plus 4 sections of colour/black and white photographs/illustrations - from both ancient and modern sources.

Thinking I had stumbled across a whole area which had been missed by the author, I looked up a number of medical terms associated with Falconry and was (initially at least) very disappointed to find vitally important words - such as "Bumblefoot," missing altogether.Then I discovered the 8 page appendix on "Diseases and Ailments" right at the end and mentally offered the author my sincere apologies and quickly restored the book's 5 star rating.

Altogether, an excellent book and a most useful reference tool - although I am not sure why they have used the American spelling (i.e. Encyclopaedia instead of Encyclopaedia) in the title. A small matter which should not deter anyone from buying the book.

NM

Add this to your library!
Falconry is a sport with a long, complex history and tradition, and there is a wealth of falconry-related literature out there. This book is good to have on hand when researching a word or phrase related to managing your ownhawks. Having all these definitions at your fingertips really helps (a lotof falconry classics contain archaic language or very specificterminology). But, the Encyclopedia also contains a lot of currentinformation. It is not a how-to book, so it does not replace any of thebetter falconry manuals. It is, though, a solid reference tool you willconsult time and again.

The sport of falconry
A comprehensive look at the the world of falconry. The writing style shows much better organization than the Webster/Beebe books, which tend to ramble. Great photos. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (9)

Falconry
Very informative, but of course I did not have any idea of what Falconry was prior to reading the book.I bought the book for a nephew of mine, who happened to obtain a baby hawk.He nurtured the bird from a very young age.The book was to improve his knowledge on how to take care of the bird.I had somebody else order the book for me-Darlyn Cobb" , that is why I am doing the review.Thanks.

Falconry for beginners
This book gives good insight into the world of Falconry and the many items needed to become a Falconer. The one drawback is its author is English and deals with laws in England which are different then here in the United States.

Anyone interrested in the sport would benifit from reading this book. The author gives both pros and cons which helps guide the reader to answer the question if Falconry is for you.

An american reading an english book
It is a very helpful book.But sadly, the pound and the dollar arent the same,and the price specifications are almost no use to me.I don't know if any thing else is different,so you will have to figure that out yourself.

A Gem of a book.
I was at the stage where my own European Eagle Owl was flying free and ready for the next stage of training as we progressed (hopefully) to the day when he would take a rabbit.Having read books by other author's (including one called "Falconry" in which the subject of falconry itself is not even covered!) I needed the right book - and I needed it now.

When thebook first arrived it looked as though it might end up being a 4 Star book - but I was wrong. You see, each and every book I review (and I have reviewed several hundred), commences with a full quota of 5 stars. Stars may then be lost for any number of reasons - but they have to be lost through some shortcoming of the book itself. There are no shortcomings here.

The book measures 9½in x 6¼in (24cm x 16cm) and contains 150 pages.It is well laid out, well written and well illustrated.The subjects range from an introduction to the subject of falconry, getting started, equipment (and it's all in there!), your first bird, care, illnesses, rules of the sport and the law.

Not only did I come to the book with a lot of questions, but as I read the book (some sections more than once) I found myself asking yet more questions.It says much for the competence of this author that all the answers were found - within the book itself.I have already adopted the author's prescribed method of intruding a Rabbit lure to my bird- and it's working.

In short, I am so delighted with this book that I could not find a single reason to deduct one star.The reader gets exactly what it says on the cover; This is a book about "Falconry for Beginners" and an excellent one at that.

NM

lacking and disapointing
this was my first book on the subject and it was close to useless.for a real book try the complete falconer by frank beebe or falconry and hawking by philip glasier. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

A rare glimpse into a Medieval genious' mind
Frederick II was one of the very few brilliant minds of the Middle Ages who opossed the Pope and the teachings of the Church, even, it is said, declaring Jesus, Moses and Muhammad [...]. Patron of arts and Science, warrior and writer, it is also said that he spoke nine toungues (in an era when most members of the highest nobility were unable even to read). He was known as Stupor Mundi (Astonishment of the World), a Pope declared him the Antichrist, was twice excommunicated, and Dante sent him to the fires of Hell in the Divine Comedy. This book, about one of his passions, hunting, should therefore be in the shelves of every learned reader of the world. It is a fantastic source of information for falconers, historians (both of the Middle Ages and of Science) and for everyone interested in the history or the life of this great King, who, when crowned, wore a robe with this inscription wrote in Arabic: "May the Emperor be received well, may he enjoy vast prosperity, great generosity and high splendor, fame and magnificent endowments, and the fulfillment of his wishes and hopes. May his days and nights go in pleasure without end or change". So be it.

More than Falconry
Beisdes being an incredible tract on falconry (modern ornithology has yet to surpass it, really. Doubly impressive, considering Frederick was writing some three centuries before the scientific revolution). This book is a cross-section of one of the most profound minds in all of Western history. Frederick the Second was the most magnificient of all the latter day emperors. From nothing he raised the throne of the Roman Empire to transcendant limits, defied both God and the Church, and brought in the fabled "third age" for the superstitious people of medieval Europe, who believed that he was either the bringer of Peace before the apocalypse or the Anti-Christ himself. His memorable utterance "...I am tired of being the anvil. Now I shall be the hammer!" was the inspiration behind Nietszche's work 600 years later. The Empire died with the next brilliant generation of the Hohenstaufen.

In light of all this, his book of falconry is indespensible. It shows us Frederick the Renaissance man, engaging in Scientific method in an era of revealed truths, and it shows us Frederick the hunter: shrewd, catching every detail, and always for the love of the chase. This book will amaze you to no ends!

A Historians Guide
As a practical guide to modern falconry, I don't believe this book would be as helpful as some on the market, but as a primary source from the middle ages it is first rate.The intricacies and details of the hunt, thehousing, the care given to the birds, hounds, etc. . . . for this, the bookis priceless.If you are looking for summaries of the huntingpracticesin the middle ages, Marcelle Thiebeaux and Anne Rooney are among the bestauthors to seek.If you want the actual details of the way it was bysomeone living at the time it was practiced, there is no better source thanFrederick II's book (and few even close).

A classic
This is the perfect book for whoever wants to learn about what falconry was like a long time ago. However, I would not reccommend it to anyone whowants to learn about present day falconry. After you get your license, Iwould reccommend it. The reason I say this is because it can confuse theapprentice. It confused me. It does teach a lot though, and can giveinsight to diff. ways of training hawks. Belongs in every falconerslibrary!

Excellent for anyone interested in the history of falconry.
An absolute must for anyone interested in the lore and history of falconry.Also a good primary source for historical research involving the middle ages.Here is truly an opportunity for an apprentice falconer tolearn the basics, terminology, and philosophy of the sport.Frederick IIpracticed the art of falconry out of a profound love for the sport and forhis birds.The modern falconer who reads this volume is inspired to do thesame.I highly recommend that anyone who is at all interested in birds ofprey obtain this book.It will quickly become one of your most treasuredpossessions. ... Read more

Product Description
This Elibron Classics edition is a facsimile reprint of a 1891 edition by Bernard Quaritch, London. ... Read more

Book Description
Jemima Parry-Jones, director of the National Birds of Prey Centre, has devoted most of her life to working with birds of prey. Her unique insight offers an outstanding contribution to the falconer's bookshelf.

Jemima's book, written with vast authority, takes the subject of falconry further than ever before. She explains some of the motives behind the sport, the background to captive breeding, and shows how to care for birds of prey in sickness and in health. In her passionate, uncompromising way she also provides down-to-earth guidance on preventative medicine, rehabilitation of injured wild birds, falconry law and the vital topic of conservation.

Following in the footsteps of her famous father, Philip Glasier, Jemima is unrivalled in her dedication to the sport of falconry and the care and conservation of birds of prey. Her enthusiasm and knowledge shine through on every page of this book. Jemima Parry-Jones runs the National Birds of Prey Centre in Newent, Gloucestershire. The Centre has one of the largest collections of birds of prey in the world and has bred more birds in captivity than any other collection. ... Read more