A warm welcome to Ed Pitcher and Ricardo Velarde- The flying of falcons

[Chris L.]

I would like to welcome the authors of The Flying of Falcons ,Ed Pitcher and Ricardo Velarde, to NAFEX. They have written one of the most influential books about falconry and have changed the way many falconers approach flying longwings. I speak from personal experience as their dialogue affected my own practice by allowing me to rethink my approach.

Its great to have you both on NAFEX.

See you at NAFA ED!

Chris

[GONEHAWKN]

Howdy, Ricardo and Ed (welc).....I own this title in two forms. Both the standard trade edition and the leather bound edition. I will tell you that aside from it being a great read, i think it is one of the most well done books of recent times. You will NOT be disappointed if you happen to pick this title up.

[Tony James]

Howdy, Ricardo and Ed (welc).....I own this title in two forms. Both the standard trade edition and the leather bound edition. I will tell you that aside from it being a great read, i think it is one of the most well done books of recent times. You will NOT be disappointed if you happen to pick this title up.

Oh heck Bill, you should have brought that copy with you for Andy to sketch something in. Next time perhaps?

Hope you're well Ricardo, and look forward to getting to know you Ed.

Best wishes,

Tony.

[GONEHAWKN]

Oh heck Bill, you should have brought that copy with you for Andy to sketch something in. Next time perhaps?

Hope you're well Ricardo, and look forward to getting to know you Ed.

Best wishes,

Tony.

It never crossed my mind! Next for sure!

[mainefalconer]

Oh heck Bill, you should have brought that copy with you for Andy to sketch something in. Next time perhaps?

Hope you're well Ricardo, and look forward to getting to know you Ed.

Best wishes,

Tony.



Tony,.... Now you've sparked my imagination. Tell Andy I'm coming over with my leather-bound copy and whatever it takes to convince him to do a little sketch in there somewhere! I'm kidding, of course, but that would be a great idea. The leather edition of this title is special enough as it is. An Ellis original inside would probably make it the finest book on my shelves!

[JRedig]

Well there goes the neighborhood...! (welc)

[Chris L.]

The leather edition of this title is special enough as it is. An Ellis original inside would probably make it the finest book on my shelves!


Agreed!

[Tony James]

Tony,.... Now you've sparked my imagination. Tell Andy I'm coming over with my leather-bound copy and whatever it takes to convince him to do a little sketch in there somewhere! I'm kidding, of course, but that would be a great idea. The leather edition of this title is special enough as it is. An Ellis original inside would probably make it the finest book on my shelves!

Hi Scott,

you might have to do as I did --- get him drunk then shove the book and a pen in his hand before you show him his bedroom;)

Best wishes,

Tony.

[GONEHAWKN]

Hi Scott,

you might have to do as I did --- get him drunk then shove the book and a pen in his hand before you show him his bedroom;)

Best wishes,

Tony.

I can tell you that bribing him with Merlin hoods works too 😉

[R Velarde]

First I would like to thank Mr. Lynn for his encouragement and help getting us set up with thos forum.
I have to tell you that we don't do very much on the Internet. Now, Ed doesn't like it at all, but another reason why he doesn't get involved is because he doesn't have a good Internet connection and it is very frustrating for him to do anything.
For myself, computers and I don't seem to get along very well, but at least I know I will get more done on the Internet then Ed :)
When the book came out a few years ago, we tried to promote it but we were not ready for the overwhelming response. Before the book came out Ed kept asking me if I thought that anybody would be interested in reading our book. I kept telling him that after investing so many years in our project we were not about to give up. One of the things that surprised us very much was the amount of people that wanted to argue with us about what was said in the book or what we didn't say. I guess some of these people never saw the lines in the book that said "This is a way, not the way".
A year or so ago we were giving a presentation over in Europe and a falconer would not stop arguing about the book and how he didn't like the approach, so out of the blue Ed asked him: Do you know how a parachute works? The falconers was kind of stunned with the questions and didn't know how to answer the questions. So then Ed says "YOU OPEN IT" :)
We always mentioned that one of our goals with this book was to hope it would create some good positive dialogue among falconers.
So I hope that is the case in this forum.

Kindest Regards
Ricardo Velarde

[Tom Smith]

Hi Ricardo,

I know you and Ed have been members here for around 4-5 years. I guess it wouldn't be out of place to add a welcome from me also and thank you for the kind words you and Ed gave me in the book publically.

Regards

[R Velarde]

Hello Tom. As Ed always said, he wouldn't be practicing his kind of falconry if it wasn't for you. He always gave you all the credit for encouraging him to practice his own thing and not what the norm was doing. Being the thinker that he is, as you well know, he is the most influential falconer of our times. Listening to falconers while talking, writing articles and expressing themselves using the language that is in our book says something. So to say the least we are very pleased. Take care

[Ken S.]

Great book!

Anyone reading this thread and wondering where to buy... here's a link to it on Western Sporting for your convenience:

http://www.westernsporting.com/FB2702/The-Flying-of-Falcons-Pitcher_Velarde-Hardbound.html

I'm not sure it's available anywhere else, or if possible to buy directly but it might be good to post that here too if someone knows. I bought the regular version... kind of wish I'd bought the leather bound one. Are those still available too?

[R Velarde]

Our website went down a few months ago, no idea why and no one could fix it.
We made a new website and I am still adding a few things for people to read.
You can also order the book through the website if you are in the USA. If anyone outside the USA is interested on a book, you will have to contact us by email or call us to figure out you correct shipping cost.
Your options for our book are:
Regular book $85.00
Signed, Sealed and Embossed is $100.00
The Limited Edition Leather Bound book is $525.00. Each one of these books is a "One of a Kind". These books take about six to eight months for delivery.
The Limited edition has an extra page with an Andre Ellis sketch of a stooping falcon after some game. On that same page you have the names and signatures of the Authors and Artists involved on our book. Only 100 of these books will be made. My guess is that about forty of these books are still available.
I will try to add a few photos of some of these books here later on.

Website: www.theflyingoffalcons.com
My email: flyingfalcons@me.com
Cell: (1) 435-901-1773

[GONEHAWKN]

Ricardo, for those that may be wondering, how many of the leather bound books do you have on hand at the moment?

[Heero]

He said maybe 40 still available, Bill.

This looks like a neat book. Im going to buy it. Welcome to the forum, guys.

Mike

[GONEHAWKN]

He said maybe 40 still available, Bill.

This looks like a neat book. Im going to buy it. Welcome to the forum, guys.

Mike

That's how many are left to be sold out of the 100 LE copies. Considering the binder in Spain is only capable of making 2 per month, that doesn't mean Ricardo and Ed have 40 leather bound books sitting around. When I bought mine, they had 6. Only 2 were available.

[R Velarde]

Bill. I only have mine that I use to show people what a leather bound book looks like.
My problem at the moment is the artist is spending more time in Paris with her husband and the books are getting harder to get. We usually wait until we have five or six finished books and then we have the shipped all at once. A little cheaper that way and it saves the customer a few dollars also. When I receive the books we send a note out to our list of interested falconers and within a few days the books are sold.
I will try to find out where we are in the process and let you know.

[GONEHAWKN]

I was just curious(don't really need a 2nd leather bound copy, but.....) I just thought letting others know how many you have on-hand available for purchase would be good. Thanks Ricardo.

[mainefalconer]

Ricardo,

I thought you and Ed would appreciate seeing what I've done with my copy. Bill Barbour will appreciate this too, as he and I both make custom clamshell boxes for some of the nicer titles in our collections. (the clamshells protect books from light, dust, etc..)

http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/scottmcneff/IMG_0405_zps035c520a.jpg (http://s824.photobucket.com/user/scottmcneff/media/IMG_0405_zps035c520a.jpg.html)

http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/scottmcneff/IMG_0406_zpsb0bac1b2.jpg (http://s824.photobucket.com/user/scottmcneff/media/IMG_0406_zpsb0bac1b2.jpg.html)

http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/scottmcneff/IMG_0407_zps3b8bc228.jpg (http://s824.photobucket.com/user/scottmcneff/media/IMG_0407_zps3b8bc228.jpg.html)

[R Velarde]

HOLY SMOKES!!! That is Superb!!! and yes it is very important to protect ANY BOOK from the sun light.
How much are your clamshells?
Other falconers are asking for the naked pages so they can do their own custom work on some of these books.

[GONEHAWKN]

Well,...since Scott has went and started it, i will post some pics of my leather bound copy. I had Jim Currier of Currier Bindery in Rhode Island make the clamshell for my copy. As Scott has mentioned, he and i have since started dabbling in making our own clamshell's for titles in our personal collection's. In my photo's you will see the special page Ricardo has mentioned, that Andy Ellis did for the LE version and that it's signed by all of those involved with the book.

[Heero]

Dang, guys, you had to go and post those pics. Now you've got me wanting a leather copy...

Mike

[R Velarde]

As I said before, there is not one alike. I love the texture leather ones. The first book I ever saw with leather like that was at the artist's shop, smaller than our book was close to $4000 with the gold leaf, etc.
Our books might seem high on price, but with my commitment to making 100 copies, we got a killer deal that you will not find anywhere.
A real collectors item.
PS. How do you post a photo here?

[mainefalconer]

HOLY SMOKES!!! That is Superb!!! and yes it is very important to protect ANY BOOK from the sun light.
How much are your clamshells?
Other falconers are asking for the naked pages so they can do their own custom work on some of these books.


Ricardo,

Thanks for the compliment. I have not sold any of the clamshells that I've been making. Like Bill said, it's simply a personal passion. That's not to say that I wouldn't make a few for friends, etc., but at this point it's just a craft that I enjoy. In fact,.... put me on the short list if any unbound pages are going out. I'd be interested in fully binding a copy of this title if you and Ed decide that you're willing to offer a few "one-offs." I've got a similar project going right now with a different falconry title. The interest (as you mention) is in creating a real "one of a kind."

[EddieT]

The pics of these one off specials treated to extra care made me muse at the state of my own copy. It's getting pretty tatty with much of the hard cover printing warn off and corners roughed over after endless readings, for many months a constant companion on my daily commute into work. This book stands alone as an insight into falcons and what is possible in falconry through a philosophy that was eye opening and mind changing.

This book has changed my way of looking at my own falcon. Whilst I know that given present circumstances I'm unable to replicate much of what Ed has achieved, I have also learned how far I still have to climb to begin to see the full potential of the falcon in my mews. As I develop as a falconer what I have learned of Ed's philosophy as much as his method I am sure will be a major influence. At the very least it has shown me to go forward with an open mind and listen to the falcon :)

Unfortunately I appear unable to post an attachment to show what this book looks like after it has blown your mind and fired your dreams.

[carlosR]

Glad to see the authors on Nafex. This is a wonderful book both in content and style.
Much of what was written I've found is applicable with my imprint goshawk.
Scott that is a beautiful cover.
Carlos

[Chris L.]

As I said before, there is not one alike. I love the texture leather ones. The first book I ever saw with leather like that was at the artist's shop, smaller than our book was close to $4000 with the gold leaf, etc.
Our books might seem high on price, but with my commitment to making 100 copies, we got a killer deal that you will not find anywhere.
A real collectors item.
PS. How do you post a photo here?

Ricardo let me update your membership so you can direct upload. When you post there is a little paperclip in the reply bock. Click on that and upload the file. Call if you need some help

Chris

[Ken S.]

Thanks for the info on the leather bound limited edition version, I'd like to get one of these for my library! I sent you an email, just let me know the details.

Maybe then I can talk Bill or Scott into making me one of those awesome clamshells too! ;)

[R Velarde]

I found the photo of the book that got me thinking about making these leather limited edition. The gold leaf, paintings, etc.. amounted to 2985 euros!!!
Also here are a couple of other books we have sold, just to wet your appetite.
RV
PS. This is the first time I upload some photos so I hope it works.

[R Velarde]

frus)frus)frus) I guess it didn't. I see the files are too large. Lets see this time.
RV

[mainefalconer]

Thanks for the info on the leather bound limited edition version, I'd like to get one of these for my library! I sent you an email, just let me know the details.

Maybe then I can talk Bill or Scott into making me one of those awesome clamshells too! ;)



Ken,

Just give me a shout man. I've already got the measurements I need.


Ricardo,
Glad you got those photos up. They look great! Nice copies, for sure.

[Chris L.]

Beautiful! I am in for a leather bound edition too. Please let me know when they arrive Ricardo.

[R Velarde]

Hello Tony. Great to hear from you. I saw your post and I wanted to respond earlier, but this darn life gets in the way. I hope you can make plans to come over to visit some day. I have not given up on the idea of coming over with Ed to the UK and share some of our ideas.
Now we are working on book #2. I never thought it would happen. This subject is never ending and we knew we could have added a lot more to it but with ought having it turn into a how to book.
You and I could have a nice discussion sharing our ideas and that is about as far as it goes, but the bad news about writing a book is that once you have it in writing people get emotional about it, the jealousy and egos start to show up,YIKES. Also others will take it as if that was the only way of approaching falconry.
I am sure some of the things that are in the book, we might be doing them differently today. I have said this before but one of the reasons our book was not a recipe title was because I am sure that our goals, terrain and ideas are very different to other falconers.
We wanted to have the book make someone think about what would be the best approach to handling a falcon, or for that matter any bird of prey, and get the most out of that bird within their world and situations.
One big mistake we made in our book was to have numbers about how high these falcons can fly. The last thing this book was about was that. We have received emails from falconers saying they enjoyed the book but that they could not practice falconry that way. Too bad because they missed the point of what the book was about. If I was to summarize the book in one word, it would be that the book was about RELATIONSHIPS. So we learned, the second book will not have heights.
The first book took us 25 years to publish and I am hoping this second book doesn't do that to us, because I am sure the circle of life will not allow us to do that.
As I said, I hope we can get together in the near future.
Kindest Regards
Ricardo

[Tony James]

Hello Tony. Great to hear from you. I saw your post and I wanted to respond earlier, but this darn life gets in the way. I hope you can make plans to come over to visit some day. I have not given up on the idea of coming over with Ed to the UK and share some of our ideas.
Now we are working on book #2. I never thought it would happen. This subject is never ending and we knew we could have added a lot more to it but with ought having it turn into a how to book.
You and I could have a nice discussion sharing our ideas and that is about as far as it goes, but the bad news about writing a book is that once you have it in writing people get emotional about it, the jealousy and egos start to show up,YIKES. Also others will take it as if that was the only way of approaching falconry.
I am sure some of the things that are in the book, we might be doing them differently today. I have said this before but one of the reasons our book was not a recipe title was because I am sure that our goals, terrain and ideas are very different to other falconers.
We wanted to have the book make someone think about what would be the best approach to handling a falcon, or for that matter any bird of prey, and get the most out of that bird within their world and situations.
One big mistake we made in our book was to have numbers about how high these falcons can fly. The last thing this book was about was that. We have received emails from falconers saying they enjoyed the book but that they could not practice falconry that way. Too bad because they missed the point of what the book was about. If I was to summarize the book in one word, it would be that the book was about RELATIONSHIPS. So we learned, the second book will not have heights.
The first book took us 25 years to publish and I am hoping this second book doesn't do that to us, because I am sure the circle of life will not allow us to do that.
As I said, I hope we can get together in the near future.
Kindest Regards
Ricardo

Hi Ricardo,

I know what you mean about life getting in the way sometimes. It's hard enough getting out to fly falcons each day, let alone writing about it too.

I also know how, once something is published, further experience and thought makes you wish it could be retrospectively modified. But heck, so long as it's honest and based on experience to that date, it's as good as it possibly could be.

I'd love to spend time again with yourself and Ed (who I've never met), to discuss all that's in your book and so much more. I know it would be fun for all of us. One day we must make it happen, and if you fancy a visit to the UK, you're welcome to base yourself at my home.

This thread has caused me to revisit The Flying of Falcons, and I'm enjoying it once more.
Being as I am, a proud gamehawker, there are aspects within the book that challenge me, which can only be a constructive thing. Currently we would differ in some small ways, as indeed most falconers differ in small ways --- but there's a beauty about that, and it's a shame to know that challenges to methodology or indeed philosophy can't be met with reasoned debate and good grace, which I know was one of your ambitions.

I'm a big reader (of falconry books only I'm afraid) and have a pretty extensive library spanning nearly 800 years.
Many of those books are beautiful, informative, educational, entertaining, even magical. Few are what yours is --- challenging.
Congratulations I say.

Best wishes,

Tony.

[Andy Heath]

Hi Ricardo,

Pleased to make contact. I can see that this thread has been quiet for a while, and perhaps it has served its purpose for you already. I have some questions and points I'd really like to discuss, but I appreciate that the Internet is a good way to get badgered to death by a zillion folk from all over. If you don't mind talking that would be great, but I'll understand if being pestered about how to fly Falcons has got a bit old by now.

I borrowed TFOF from a friend and read it in double quick time; just brill, really. I was glued to it. Particularly good was the fact that it straightened out some of my own thoughts and made the road clear. No doubt it has saved me a lot of trial and error, and some disappointing (and disappointed) hawks.

I have an imprinted Tiercel that I got in December of his first season, he having apparently been sat on a block having food thrown to him until that point. Barely flown at all. He is now at the end of his second season, so he will start his second moult this year.

He has, and is, setting me some challenges. But he has had some successes too. If you don't mind taking a little time to help me work through the glitches that would be really great.

Best wishes,

Andy Heath

[R Velarde]

Hi Ricardo,

Pleased to make contact. I can see that this thread has been quiet for a while, and perhaps it has served its purpose for you already. I have some questions and points I'd really like to discuss, but I appreciate that the Internet is a good way to get badgered to death by a zillion folk from all over. If you don't mind talking that would be great, but I'll understand if being pestered about how to fly Falcons has got a bit old by now.

I borrowed TFOF from a friend and read it in double quick time; just brill, really. I was glued to it. Particularly good was the fact that it straightened out some of my own thoughts and made the road clear. No doubt it has saved me a lot of trial and error, and some disappointing (and disappointed) hawks.

I have an imprinted Tiercel that I got in December of his first season, he having apparently been sat on a block having food thrown to him until that point. Barely flown at all. He is now at the end of his second season, so he will start his second moult this year.

He has, and is, setting me some challenges. But he has had some successes too. If you don't mind taking a little time to help me work through the glitches that would be really great.

Best wishes,

Andy Heath

Andy. I am sorry I have not responded a little more. None of the above, just life gets in the way. I am busy working in the shop with a few deadlines, but you are welcome to give me a call. 435 901 1773.
I would be interested to hear about what that little tiercel is doing.
Regards RV

[Andy Heath]

Hey Ricardo,

I realised that my message wasn't very clear; happy to talk here on the forum, just thought you might have better things to do (like write the next book wherein might be the answers to the questions I am about to start asking). Thanks a lot for getting back so quickly.

Keeping it simple to kick off, where do imprints fit into the picture with you guys? Are there any pitfalls, or anything you set out to do differently when flying an imprinted peregrine?

Cheers, Andy

[R Velarde]

You guys. Don't give up on me. I am still working on getting a few more Leather Bound Edition books. My friend (the artist) has been working in Paris, but once she gets back to Spain she will work on my books.
I will keep you posted, and thank you.
Regards
Ricardo

[Tony James]

Hey Ricardo,

I realised that my message wasn't very clear; happy to talk here on the forum, just thought you might have better things to do (like write the next book wherein might be the answers to the questions I am about to start asking). Thanks a lot for getting back so quickly.

Keeping it simple to kick off, where do imprints fit into the picture with you guys? Are there any pitfalls, or anything you set out to do differently when flying an imprinted peregrine?

Cheers, Andy

Hi Andy,

despite a very kind invitation to visit Ricardo and Ed, I'm hoping our ambitions to meet up in England some time in the future come off.
I'm sure you and many others would relish the chance to ask questions and share thoughts face to face, where understanding and appreciation are so much easier than on a forum.

Best wishes,

Tony.

[R Velarde]

Hello you guys. Some good and some bad news. Our artist is working on five Limited Edition Leathe bound books, thats the good news. The bad one is, our source of our beautiful leather is gone. The gentleman that had inherited the family shop had to close down.
So again I am in search for great leather, lets see what happens.
I will post some of the photos of making these books as soon as I receive them.
RV

[R Velarde]

Hello Again. The latest report. The company that we bought the original leather closed down. Then someone else bought it and they had to close down also. Some one has come in and taken over. We were able to buy some leather for another set of about eight books, depending on the style.
Things are very slow, our artist spends more time in France and her studio is in Spain, so I just have to be patient.
We were producing between 12 to 16 books a year, and now it is harder to get them. I do not want to change or look for a different artist. I like the work and the price is the best I was able to find. Anyone else would be three times more expensive and would make the book completely out of reach.
As I have probably mentioned it before, if we sell all the limited edition, the total possible amount will be 100 books. That is how many signature sheets were printed for this special edition.
I have five more books coming and will post some photos as soon as the package arrives.
Have a great summer.
Regards Ricardo

[R Velarde]

Hello Everyone. As most of you know, our 100 Limited Leather Bound Edition Books are still being produced, slowly but we are still trying to produce them.
A few problems have come up. The artist’s husband moved to Paris and her studio is in Madrid, so that has slowed things down. These are the first five books we received on the past year and a half.
Another problem that has arise is the manufacturing company for this incredible leather closed down, so for the moment I only have enough leather for an extra four books, but I am in the hunt for a different supplier.
Other than that, each one of these books is a One of a Kind. The artist found some incredible textured paper for two of these Dutch style books which is very nice.
I love the textured Karibau on the two All leather style books, that is the leather that will be hard to replace.
Also something to remember, this special edition is not the same as the regular edition. These books have an extra page with a drawing by Andrew Ellis of a falcon stooping at a flock of bird way down below ( I will include a photo). This page includes the names and signatures of everyone involved with our book.
The publisher only printed 100 of these pages, that is why we can only produce that many, if we every finish the batch. I guess you could say a very collectible item and in a few years down the road a very special hard to find book.
The more traditional Dutch Style books are $485, and the all Leather Edition style is $525. Plus Shipping (Fedex $24 within the US).
While these books might seem to be on the expensive side, an FYI, the closest artist we found that would do the work we had planned, he wanted 500 euros per book, even though I was telling him I was planning on making 100 of these suckers, but he never budged. At the price it would have made the book way to expensive and out of reach to most people.
Finally we got lucky and we were able to work a reasonable price for our books.
If any one is interested on any of these books, please email me personally to flyingfalcons@me.com so I can keep the emails separate, or call or text me at (1) 435 901 1773.
In case anyone is wondering, yes we are working on the second book. Ed says he thinks people might like this second book better than the first one. That might be because it took us twenty five year to learn our lessons frus)
Kindest Regards
Ricardo

[GONEHAWKN]

They look great, Ricardo. I am sure they will makes some folks quite happy. I think i have asked this question already--- but have you any idea how many of the 100 limited edition books have been sold?

[R Velarde]

Sir. I need to spend a few minutes to figure it out. My guess would be around forty. We are just having a hard time getting them as I was explaining.
Regards RV