Customer Reviews

Falconry Manual

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I found this book to be an excellent overview of Falcony. It has a good section describing the different types of raptors suitable for the sport, and some interesting descriptions and drawings relating to training and equipment. However, I would not attempt to use this book as a "how-to" manual. It doesn't have nearly enough detail on any subject. In places it can be a little difficult to follow. I am pleased with my copy and will be happy to add it to my library.

I am relatively new to the world of falconry. As a result, I am reading just about everything I get my hands on. Frank Beebe is an undisputed master on the subject of falconry. I found that Mr. Beebe's style of writing, presents the information in a very easy to read & understand format. After having read this book, it convinced me that I should order his major work entitled "A Compleat Falconer". I am certain that it is most probably "The Bible" for falconry. An excellent book by an excellent author.

This book has very good information for beginners who are a little confused. A very good profiling on individual species. Also good section on equipment. I found it very informative and worthwhile the price.

This is a great little book. Frank Beebe packs all the essential information around hawk training into this book, drawing on decades of practical experience and research. Beebe writes with the authority of someone who has actually practised what he is preaching, rather than some authors who seem to have written a falconry book for the sake of personal aggrandizement. He also writes in excellent English, almost with an academic eloquence.

He deals with all three classes of falconry birds: buteos, accipiters and falcons, and draws very useful comparisons between them on temperament, character and hunting application.

Note however that the book is mostly a training manual, and with the exception of a very interesting chapter on the history of falconry regulation in the US, it about trapping, furniture and hunting. If you want a book with detail on hawk care, dog training, breeding and housing then choose another one (I recommend Emma Ford's for all except breeding and dogs, Nick Fox's for the former and Diana Durman-Walters' for the latter). Note also that its a North American text - the chapters on trapping and bagged quarry are of no use to a UK falconer.

This is an excellent book for people who are intrested in falconry. At one time falconry was the sport of the noble gentry. This book does a real service in describing these intelligent, beautiful birds of prey and how falconers work with them.

A must have for prospective falconers.

Reviewer's preface: This is the first book I have read about falconry, and at this point in my life I am merely a casual observer and information seeker, rather than an individual ready to take the plunge into apprenticeship and eventually mastery of the sport. As such, take my review with a grain of salt as I have very little knowledge to compare against or with the book.

A Falconry Manual is an excellent introductory book into the world of falconry. Written by Frank Beebe, one of the most well-respected falconers, the information comes straight from one of the most educated and experienced of North America's falconers at the time of publishing (1976). Roughly the first half of the book is an introduction to the different birds available for falconry in North America - falcons, buteos and accipiters. Each bird has at least two pages that describe its characteristics and traits, natural habitats, the type of prey and its attack methods, and how easy or difficult it is to be trained.

The rest of the book offers a glimpse into acquiring a falcon, some of the the equipment necessary and how to make them, training, and hunting with the birds. When certain aspects are different for different species of birds, the following section takes care of that. A Falconry Manual contains a lot of general and broad information about nearly every aspect of the sport, but also excludes some information (health concerns, and more specific techniques). However, he accomplishes a great deal in introducing the sport to the reader, and that is how the book should be viewed: as an introductory book to give the reader the general outline of nearly every aspect of the sport. This is an excellent book to pass around to anyone who may be slightly interested in the sport (and who wouldn't be?), and the price (between $15-20 USD) allows one to purchase two or three copies specifically for that purpose

this is the book for every falconier to own it explains every little thing you need to know through pictures and words.

I will preface this by saying that I think every falconer considers Frank Beebe as one of the best falconers in North America. He has forgotten more about falconry than most of us know. Having said that I do not think that this is the best book by Beebe, the book does have a lot of information and it is well written in terms, descriptions and illustrations. It is easy to read and understand. Novices should not have much trouble following it.

It is has information on several species and their characteristics. Beebe goes through each one and tells you the "personality" of each. What they are good at hunting and some of the pitfalls with each. He also explains some equipment in detail. There is also a good amount of information on actual training methods and behavior.

Here is why I gave this book a 3. For the most part everything written in it you can read in other books by Frank Beebe. There was not a lot of new information in it. North American Falconry and Hunting Hawks by Beebe and Webster has most if not all of the same information in it. I think most falconers would agree if you were to own one book on falconry it would have to be one of the top choices.

The other reason that I did not give it higher marks is because several of the sections have information that is outdated or is not correct anymore. There is a section on the laws and regulations that I am sure were correct when it was written but are no longer valid. Experienced falconers could disregard it but if you are a novice just beginning in falconry and took everything in this book as gospel you would be teaching yourself outdated material.

Overall it is a good book. It was enjoyable to read and I think it would be a good book to have on your falconry shelf. I would not make it your first book or sole reference for your falconry training.

I found that there is some information. But not all of the falconry sport. For expample the silhouettes of the different birds are not in there. I hate to say that I have found it dose not cover where the hole punch for the bell should be ether. Any how I am glad I did not buy it but readed it at the library.