Falconry for Beginners: An Introduction to the Sport

When the book 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 9in x 6in (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


Falconry for beginners   June 21, 2003
 17 out of 20 found this review helpful

This book contains plenty of information for anyone who is considering taking up falconry. It outlines exactly how much time and commitment is required to own a bird of prey. Before anyone even thinks about so much as attending a course on birds of prey, I strongly advise reading this book before going anywhere near a hawk. After having attended a course and gained some experience, it will become rather limited however. As the title suggests though, it is a book for beginners.

The content is concise, no-nonsense and to the point which I find makes the book extremely readable although I admit he does repeat himself, particularly in the equipment section where he advises against ordering items via mail order since they cannot be checked in person.

All in all it is a good read for anyone who is interested in birds of prey.


The best place to start for accurate advise   November 4, 2001
 26 out of 30 found this review helpful

Well, what can I say.
It is the most interesting book on Falconry I have read. The information is very helpful and it has convinced me I want to be a Falconer, but has provided the essential advise other books (and I have read a few) lack!!!!

If any would-be Falconer is seriously looking at becoming a falconer, this book would have to be your first step in gaining valuble advice and information. A MUST


SUPERB-SUPERB-SUPERB   April 23, 2001
 15 out of 19 found this review helpful

Being very new to falconry I have bought many books on this complicated subject. It has to be said however that this book without any doubt is the finest of them all. Although it does not cover training birds of prey it covers vital areas which any responsible beginner would wish to abide by. The author writes in plain English which really helps people like myself. My advice to anyone thinking of taking up this sport is to purchase this book, believe me your'll be glad you did.


This book is terrible!   March 19, 2001
 4 out of 13 found this review helpful

Who gave this 4 or 5 stars! Please, if you are serious about falconry then save your money! The law section is written by Paul Beecroft and this is by far the best part of this book. In fact so good, how is it in this loosely covered attempt at the self-promotion of a bird-of-prey training course?

I agree with the other reviewer that the P Glasier book is so much better than this questionable book.

If you are serious about being a falconer then join a reputable club, get a mentor and after reading the better books, return to this. You will then know just how poor it is!