Customer Reviews

Drummer in the Woods

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(3)

 

 

The reviewer who claims Spiller's book is detached from the reality of grouse hunting and predictable is obviously a novice at the game and no student of literature.
First, Spiller was formerly a "market hunter" of grouse. At the time of publication of "Drummer in The Woods," it is estimated that he had shot more grouse on the wing than any person alive. He developed into a sportsman and regreted the time spent market hunting, although he had obtained a formidible education as a result of that experience. Those of us who have been
seduced by the electricity of the thunder bird exploding from a thick stand of yellow painted Aspen, over the staunch point of an English Setter, are drawn to the works of Burton Spiller with a reverence that is indescribable.
Next, and more importantly, Spiller conveys the experience to the reader better than any writer before or since his time. To read Spiller is to be soulfully connected with the sport and our maker. He is not only a superlative outdoor writer, history will paint Spiller as an icon of American sporting literature.

In my opinion, Burton Spiller was the best grouse writer ever (Lundrigen, with his book, "Hunting the Sun" comes close). Not as well known as his "Grouse Feathers" and "More Grouse Feathers," this collection of 21 grouse hunting stories is just as good as either of those books. All chapters are good, but "Four Mile Grouse" and "Red Letter Day" were personal favorites, and "Last Day" was the best hunting short story I've read. Well worth buying, and you can't beat the paperback price.

This is a classic piece of upland hunting literature. Burton Spiller is a gentleman and a great storyteller. In this book he recounts his own youthful introduction to the lifelong passion of grouse hunting and many of the adventures that followed. Although based on his life experiences, "Drummer" seems romantic and almost mythical. I think it is difficult for many contemporary readers to imagine that the landcape in which this book was set ever existed.

This is, perhaps, the most entertaining of all Spiller's works. The review from the gentlemen from Pennsylvania is unfathomable. This guy must not understand the sport of grouse hunting at all. To describe a man like Burton Spiller as arrogant and boring is like saying Lawrence Oliver is a poor actor.
Burton Spiller was a man with limited education, but whose prose has an effortless sublime quality which demonstates his place as one of the finest outdoor writers. If a gifted writer makes you feel and share the experience he writes of, then Burt truely had the gift. He was a man who loved grouse, bird dogs, his family, his life, and God, and compelled his readers to love and respect him. To not appreciate the best work of Burton Spiller (the most talented of grouse hunting authors) is to not love grouse hunting.

I can agree with, and underscore, every single word of WDMcCann's review and will add this: neither the vast power of money nor the vast blarney of modern media can reach even the shadow of the Wisdom and Soul shining from every syllable of Burton Spiller's "Drummer in the Woods". His "Drummer in the Woods is truly Writing for the Ages that will give something of real value to you, be you humble or high.

This is one of the most enjoyable books I have ever read on the subject. Spiller is a master of bringing the delights of autumn and the joys of dogs and covers home. This is a must own book for any serious grouse, woodcock, and dog lover. If you live for the smells, sounds and sights of the fall, it belongs in your library.

This book expressed the attitudes of a snobby, old-school grouse hunter. The stories seem to reflect fairy tale hunts, rather than anything a typical hunter experiences. Contrary to what the book seems to suggest, a "good" hunting dog need not be perfect, and not every hunt ends with a limit of grouse in the bag. Also, the book contains no useful information.

Spiller's book would appeal to anyone who enjoys the superficial, uninspired articles found in popular sporting periodicals. A must buy for those to whom hunting is as predictable as a game of tic-tac-toe. Splendidly detached from the realities of the field. Hunt 'em up.

Spiller's book would appeal to anyone who enjoys the superficial, uninspired articles found in popular sporting periodicals. A must buy for those to whom hunting is as predictable as a game of tic-tac-toe. Splendidly detached from the realities of the field. Hunt 'em up.