Falconry Books

[passager]

Hello everyone,

I was wondering what your #1 favorite falconry books are. I want to learn about making the mews and equipment and about the birds, like their diseases, and more about taking care of them. I already have "The Falconers Apprentice", and "Falconry and Hawking". Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[FredFogg]

Read the entire thread, lots of suggestions on books!

http://www.nafex.net/showthread.php?t=2007

[passager]

Thanks Fred!

[passager]

If you had to pick only one book you would recommend to someone, what book would that be? I am hoping to learn more from the best books. Any answers would be appreciated.

[red_tailed]

My personal favourite is "the red tailed hawk-a guide to north America's most versitile game hawk. Was my red-tail bible

Bob
BC Canada

[adam norrie]

It all depends on what hawk/falcon/broadwing you wish to fly.
Then there are books that relate to falconry. For me, you can't beat Reminiscences of a Falconer, C.H Fisher, my all time favourite. It's not a "how to do it" book, but an insight to one of the most colourful characters ever to be involved in falconry.

[Breeze]

I agree with Bob's personal favorite above, if you are interested in Red-tails as we both are. And, if you will be hunting squirrels with Red-tails be sure to read Buteos & Bushytails by Gary Brewer.

[passager]

Thank you all for the suggestions!:D

[laj]

Rylan,

I have family members going on vacation now and I am a little tied with our family business. Maybe sometime in April I will have time to finish my new mews, then maybe we can get together and make some equipment. We can start with anklets and jesses and if you like, we can make hoods and giant hoods!

[Clanggedin]

Most of the books that people recommend are out of print and are difficult to find for less then $100+. The only way many of us newbs can get info is from forums and websites. Since the "bibles" are impossible to get a hold of.

If these books are going to stay out of print then we should try and get the permission from the author or their descendants to allow digital distribution of the books at a reasonable price so others can enjoy their literary work.

Unfortunately the majority of the books are not old enough to be public domain (70 years after death of author) so they cannot be distributed for free. :(

Scott

[passager]

Adam,

Do you have a favorite how-to book?

[Saluqi]

Most of the books that people recommend are out of print and are difficult to find for less then $100+. The only way many of us newbs can get info is from forums and websites. Since the "bibles" are impossible to get a hold of.

If these books are going to stay out of print then we should try and get the permission from the author or their descendants to allow digital distribution of the books at a reasonable price so others can enjoy their literary work.

Unfortunately the majority of the books are not old enough to be public domain (70 years after death of author) so they cannot be distributed for free. :(

Scott

Have you tried borrowing books through a library? Between the University of NM and the Albuquerque Public library system I can find plenty of difficult to buy falconry books.

[Clanggedin]

I have unfortunately most of the books are not available in any of the libraries in my state. The book 'The Red-Tailed Hawk: A Complete Guide to Training and Hunting North America's Most Versatile Game Hawk by Liam J. McGranaghan" is only available in 5 libraries across the nation that I can see. I have located other books, but they are quite a drive from my location.

Scott P.

[Saluqi]

I have unfortunately most of the books are not available in any of the libraries in my state. The book 'The Red-Tailed Hawk: A Complete Guide to Training and Hunting North America's Most Versatile Game Hawk by Liam J. McGranaghan" is only available in 5 libraries across the nation that I can see. I have located other books, but they are quite a drive from my location.

Scott P.


Not the latest edition, but I don't believe much different: http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=8836344520&searchurl=an%3DMcGranaghan%252C%2BLiam%26sts%3Dt

[passager]

Rylan,

I have family members going on vacation now and I am a little tied with our family business. Maybe sometime in April I will have time to finish my new mews, then maybe we can get together and make some equipment. We can start with anklets and jesses and if you like, we can make hoods and giant hoods!

That would be great!

[passager]

If you had to pick only one book you would recommend to someone, what book would that be? I am hoping to learn more from the best books. Any answers would be appreciated.

Anyone else?

[sharptail]

Hal has a new book due out in April. I am wondering if the latest edition of NAF&HH will also be available at that time.

[bobpayne]

If you had to pick only one book you would recommend to someone, what book would that be? I am hoping to learn more from the best books. Any answers would be appreciated.

Like asking the question, if you could only fly one hawk, what hawk would it be?


(Sorry guy the newest edition is a two book set)

But you asked the question so I suggest to you to contact western sporting and get yiour copies ordered now and receive a 10% discount.

Good luck with your quest,

[passager]

Like asking the question, if you could only fly one hawk, what hawk would it be?

But you asked the question so I suggest to you to contact western sporting and get yiour copy ordered now and receive a 10% discount.

Good luck with your quest,

If I had to choose one hawk it would be a Red-tailed.

[Breeze]

Ditto Rylan! firsts

[adam norrie]

Adam,

Do you have a favorite how-to book?

Hi Rylan,

Favorite books, Bert, Latham, Ray Turner, R Stevens. There are others that I will paw through as there are certain chapters that are very relevant to my hawking.
For me, getting the feeding right goes such a long way in getting the results you are looking for. Latham is great for this.

Recent books, High Flying Gyrfalcons,

[Tony James]

I'm a bit of a sucker for this one Adam.

http://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/auction-catalogues/bloomsbury-auctions-london/catalogue-id-2879547/lot-17302540?searchitem=true

They don't make 'em like that any more!

Best wishes,

Tony.

[echotadog]

If I had to choose one hawk it would be a Red-tailed.

Well then the book selection should be a no-brainier .

Liam J McGranaghans The Red-Tailed Hawks
William C Oakes - The Falconers Apprentice
Gary Brewers - Buteos and Bushytails


Those should cover you on specifics to your target RTH.
Then think about reading as many books on hunting techniques and ecology of your target prey as well ...

Hunting Rabbits and hares by Richard Smith - comes to mind...

[passager]

Thanks all of you for the replies!

[GONEHAWKN]

I'm a bit of a sucker for this one Adam.

http://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/auction-catalogues/bloomsbury-auctions-london/catalogue-id-2879547/lot-17302540?searchitem=true

They don't make 'em like that any more!

Best wishes,

Tony.

Very cool Tony. I wish I had the extra $! Kent was kind enough to show me Salvin's personal copy, when I visited The Archives last year. I found all the hand written notes quite interesting. I'd love to have a 1st or 2nd edition if this book as well as a copy if Latham's. But one can not be born good looking AND rich. So a poor man I will be, I am afraid ;-)

[Tony James]

Very cool Tony. I wish I had the extra $! Kent was kind enough to show me Salvin's personal copy, when I visited The Archives last year. I found all the hand written notes quite interesting. I'd love to have a 1st or 2nd edition if this book as well as a copy if Latham's. But one can not be born good looking AND rich. So a poor man I will be, I am afraid ;-)

Hi Bill,

I'm feeling very inadequate, being both lacking in money AND looks:eek:

That said, I am fortunate enough to have copies of each of those books (my 1st edition Falconry in the British Isles belonged to George Noble, before he became a Sir, OHC and founding BFC member. Like Salvin, Harting and others, he had a liking for adding his own comments).

Best wishes,

Tony.

[adam norrie]

Hi Tony,

Like you. I had to add both editions to my library, and now and again, I have a very gentle look through. They are real gems. In the process of having clamshell cases made for both, which will protect them for many many years.

[Tony James]

Hi Tony,

Like you. I had to add both editions to my library, and now and again, I have a very gentle look through. They are real gems. In the process of having clamshell cases made for both, which will protect them for many many years.

Oooh, give me a call. Maybe we'd get a discount for doubling up?

Best wishes,

Tony.

[passager]

If you had to pick only one book you would recommend to someone, what book would that be? I am hoping to learn more from the best books. Any answers would be appreciated.

Anyone else please? I really want to learn more, and I want to do so from the best books.
Thanks

[passager]

Ian,

Thank you :D

[Martin Hollinshead]

A Hawk for the Bush. J Mavrogordato.

Whilst specifically about Sparrowhawks and quite old it gives a great impression of the commitment and the attention to detail required.
Yes, would have to go on my list of 'must reads' too.
Martin

[Lowachi]

Adam & Tony got most of my favorites, Ian & Martin tagged one as well. If I were to pick anther, Michell's book. Helped me w/ my first longwing all those years ago

[adam norrie]

You start collecting books then say good bye to all your spare cash. It is very addictive, but enjoyable.

[passager]

You start collecting books then say good bye to all your spare cash. It is very addictive, but enjoyable.

Yeah that's what i've heard!:D

[Tony James]

You start collecting books then say good bye to all your spare cash. It is very addictive, but enjoyable.

After posting the link to that 2nd edition Falconry in the British Isles, I discovered I'd been bidding against a falconer friend of mine.
I'm so glad he got it, but felt terrible that I'd added to his billfrus)

Of course, modern reprints make the same text available at a fraction of the price, but there's magic in an old book.

Tony.

[GONEHAWKN]

After posting the link to that 2nd edition Falconry in the British Isles, I discovered I'd been bidding against a falconer friend of mine.
I'm so glad he got it, but felt terrible that I'd added to his billfrus)

Of course, modern reprints make the same text available at a fraction of the price, but there's magic in an old book.

Tony.

Agreed Tony. While I would love to own certain first edition books, I gotta keep some $ set aside. I hope to have my eye on something else in the next couple/few weeks ;-)

[Rocky]

If you're a Merlin person then Michell is a must. And there is nothing like feeling the weight and bulk of a first edition (magic!). Steven's two books, 'Taming of Genghis' and 'Observations on Modern Falconry' are second to none as far as the philosophy of manning birds. Woodford's 'Manual of Falconry' is still the best beginner's book. 'Desert Hawking II' is a masterpiece, and I think the best of the series, and was the right book at the right time. Mavrogordato's two treatises are excellent, but I think 'A Hawk for the Bush' is the better. Three recent books, 'The Flying of Falcons', 'High Flying Gyrfalcons', and 'The Four Week Window', all compliment each other and should be on ever falconer's book shelf. They are describing the same idea of working with the natural timeline of the birds and not trying to force a result.

And, last I recommend the Latham's Falconry that Paul Morgan published with the commentary by David Horobin. I've tried to work through Latham in the past and my limitations of understanding made it a daunting task to say the least. Mr. Horobin's commentary opened up the work and made it so much more accessible and allowed me to appreciate Latham and realize that falconry and falconers have not changed since 1600! But, I still want to hold that 1633 Latham in my hand a imagine who else held and appreciated these words before me...magic

Rocky

[Tony James]

If you're a Merlin person then Michell is a must. And there is nothing like feeling the weight and bulk of a first edition (magic!). Steven's two books, 'Taming of Genghis' and 'Observations on Modern Falconry' are second to none as far as the philosophy of manning birds. Woodford's 'Manual of Falconry' is still the best beginner's book. 'Desert Hawking II' is a masterpiece, and I think the best of the series, and was the right book at the right time. Mavrogordato's two treatises are excellent, but I think 'A Hawk for the Bush' is the better. Three recent books, 'The Flying of Falcons', 'High Flying Gyrfalcons', and 'The Four Week Window', all compliment each other and should be on ever falconer's book shelf. They are describing the same idea of working with the natural timeline of the birds and not trying to force a result.

And, last I recommend the Latham's Falconry that Paul Morgan published with the commentary by David Horobin. I've tried to work through Latham in the past and my limitations of understanding made it a daunting task to say the least. Mr. Horobin's commentary opened up the work and made it so much more accessible and allowed me to appreciate Latham and realize that falconry and falconers have not changed since 1600! But, I still want to hold that 1633 Latham in my hand a imagine who else held and appreciated these words before me...magic

Rocky

Great advice and observations.

Best wishes,

Tony.

[passager]

Rocky,
thank you for all the information. I find all this really helpful.

Thanks,

[adam norrie]

Now Rylan,

With all this information at hand, you had better go and see your bank manager and secure a hefty loan. But make sure you keep up the repayments, or else us book collectors we will come knocking and relieve you of your best books:D

[Martin Hollinshead]

'Desert Hawking II' is a masterpiece, and I think the best of the series, and was the right book at the right time.

Rocky

Yes Rocky, a classic. As you say the right book at the right time – and maybe for the author it was the right book at the right time, something special at work as the observations were put down.
Martin

[Tony James]

If you're a Merlin person then Michell is a must. And there is nothing like feeling the weight and bulk of a first edition (magic!). Steven's two books, 'Taming of Genghis' and 'Observations on Modern Falconry' are second to none as far as the philosophy of manning birds. Woodford's 'Manual of Falconry' is still the best beginner's book. 'Desert Hawking II' is a masterpiece, and I think the best of the series, and was the right book at the right time. Mavrogordato's two treatises are excellent, but I think 'A Hawk for the Bush' is the better. Three recent books, 'The Flying of Falcons', 'High Flying Gyrfalcons', and 'The Four Week Window', all compliment each other and should be on ever falconer's book shelf. They are describing the same idea of working with the natural timeline of the birds and not trying to force a result.

And, last I recommend the Latham's Falconry that Paul Morgan published with the commentary by David Horobin. I've tried to work through Latham in the past and my limitations of understanding made it a daunting task to say the least. Mr. Horobin's commentary opened up the work and made it so much more accessible and allowed me to appreciate Latham and realize that falconry and falconers have not changed since 1600! But, I still want to hold that 1633 Latham in my hand a imagine who else held and appreciated these words before me...magic

Rocky

Hello Rocky,

I just happened upon something on Facebook, in the form of Colonel Thornton's Sporting Tour (Schwerdt's copy no less), and it set me to thinking how inspirational, if not necessarily instructive books like that can be.

Another such inspirational book must be Fisher's Reminiscences. Especially the 1st edition.

Best wishes,

Tony.

[Smeagol]

Bruce Haak's The Hunting Falcon takes some beating for anyone taking up game hawking, as a manual.
Gamehawking at its very Best is by far the best read.
Hawkins Fisher and Michell are my other favourites.
'Do let her have it Fisher!'

Love it,
Nick

[passager]

Now Rylan,

With all this information at hand, you had better go and see your bank manager and secure a hefty loan. But make sure you keep up the repayments, or else us book collectors we will come knocking and relieve you of your best books:D
HAHAHA!:eek::D

[passager]

Come on everyone, any more?

[adam norrie]

Hi Rylan,

Get a copy of John Swifts Bibliotheca Accipitraria. There you will find all the books you need.

[WilliamB]

Being completely new to falconry - it seems most of the books recommended were directed towards a specific bird, equipment, etc.

Are any of the above books, or a different book perhaps, that any of you would recommend as an all-around good introduction book for falconry? Even if it lacks a bit of depth in each subject, I'd like to find something that covers a bit of everything with some descent illustrations.