Extraordinary Pigeons [Hardcover]

Stephen Green-Armytage (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 7, 2003

In "Extraordinary Pigeons", Stephen Green-Armytage continues the photographic exploration of birds he began in his popular "Extraordinary Chickens" and the follow-up "Extraordinary Pheasants". Represented are breeds from around the world, including the Nicobar Pigeons of the Congo region, the Philippine Bleeding Hearts Doves (doves are smaller versions of the same family of bird as pigeons), and the German Beauty, Russian Startail and Victoria Crowned Pigeons. As with chickens, pigeons come in many varied and distinctive features, from wattles to boots, crests to spurs. The flamboyant Jacobins wear their lavish white feathers like a boa; the Pouters puff out their chests to absurd lengths and the Helmets sport floppy crowns reminiscent of mop-top 1960s pop groups.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Green-Armytage, who previously highlighted under-appreciated fowl in Extraordinary Chickens and Extraordinary Pheasants, here turns his attention to the much-maligned pigeon. In glossy, full-color photographs, he portrays pigeons and doves both familiar and exotic (mostly the latter): the Silesian Swallow, whose "leg muffs" look like another set of wings sprouting from its shanks; the spindly-legged Maltese; and the plump Marchenero Pouter, who can inflate his crop like a balloon (selective breeding for such a trait began over four centuries ago). For those previously inclined to think of pigeons as city-dwelling "rats with wings," Green-Armytage offers plenty of evidence for a reassessment. Pigeons are monogamous, and the males take part in nest-building, incubating the eggs and feeding the babies; pigeons are excellent messengers (armies have used them for some 2,500 years, from Cyrus of Persia in 550 B.C. to U.S. servicemen in WWII); and they respond well to training and are capable of impressive acrobatics. But the real reason to pick up the book is not Green-Armytage's brief narrative, but the 200 color illustrations of wild and "man-made" (i.e., bred) pigeons and doves-which should do even more to spark admiration for these birds than their feats of derring-do.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

If you thought pigeons were just the dirty, lice-infested scrawny birds so prevalent in Trafalgar Square, think again. Not only are they not all grey but hairy too... Stephen Green-Armytage once again displays his photographic skills to give you Budapester Short-Face Tumblers, Nasal-Tufted Whites, Red Spashes and English Trumpeters displayed in full regalia. Enter the world of the pigeon extraordinaire in all its diversity: pink capped fruit doves, snowflake-hatted Victoria crowned pigeons, marbled spinfex and spotted diamond doves. Green, blue, mauve; hairy, smooth, rough and silky; the range across the world is huge making our grey skinny pigeons look like poor relations. Try and keep a smile off your face with the pompous Voorburg Shield Cropper or the chicken-like Modenas. Sure to amuse, amaze and fascinate, this is the perfect gift for bird lovers and anyone who enjoys nature's weird and wonderful range of creatures. - Lucy Watson

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 112 pages
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams (October 7, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810946300
• ISBN-13: 978-0810946309
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 9.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #963,447 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars absolutely outstanding!, January 11, 2004

By 

stacey (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Extraordinary Pigeons (Hardcover)

Author and photographer Stephen Green-Armytage delicately captures the essence of the pigeon with incredible fortitude and devoted pigeonship. This is, by far, the best book I have ever purchased, read, stolen, borrowed, checked out, or found. In my professional opinion, this fowl genius deserves the American Association of Unappreciated Birds Award of Excellence. I have yet to research his age and citizenship status, but if I find he is eligible for Presidency, I will gung-hoingly fund his campaign myself. Hats off to you, Sir Green-Armytage, for an exquisite portrayal of these noble creatures we call pigeons, and their brave contributions to our corrupt society as majestic distractions from the hustle and bustle of our daily lives. Cherry-O!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Never knew...., October 7, 2008

By 

Littlejohn "bellazoni" (Mesa,AZ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Extraordinary Pigeons (Hardcover)

I never in my wildest days had any idea there were pigeons out there that looked like this!!!!Amazing birds in all different shapes and sizes.Some I never would have even guessed were pigeons.Totally intertaining,educational and wonderful book.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing diversity beautifully photographed., March 5, 2006

By 

Philip S. Griffey (Bainbridge I. WA USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Extraordinary Pigeons (Hardcover)

This is not an important book, but it is very enjoyable. It is a wonderful tribute to the variety and beauty that can be developed by either natural selection or selective breeding. Or, if you are creationist in your outlook, it is a wonderful example of the Creator's whimsy. The book is mostly photographs; there are some some brief descriptions of the types photographed, and a little general background text - but basically, it is a photography book.