Our ancestors hunted, tamed, worshipped and depicted birds, and even bestowed magical properties upon them. Why did ancient writers consider the sparrow a lustful creature? Which bird was killed and hung up to predict the weather? And what was an ‘arse-foot’?
Wildlife photographer and history journalist Simon Wills explores the intriguing and at times bizarre stories behind our relationship with birds. Find out why robins feature on Christmas cards, and how Mozart was persuaded to keep a pet starling. What bird did Florence Nightingale carry around in her pocket? How did the blue tit get its name?
Whole careers have been created around birds – from falconers to ostrich farmers – and birds have had great symbolic importance too. Discover, for example, why Raleigh bicycles carry a heron logo and why church lectems are in the shape of an eagle.
If you enjoy wildlife, then this book is full of surprises. Pigeons were trained to carry messages in wartime, but could gulls be taught to hunt U-boats? And which American president’s parrot started swearing at his funeral?
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Helen –
I love learning and almost every single bird here had a new fact for me. Loved the meanings of some of the bird names, historical references – Greek, Latin and Shakespeare for example. And the ancient illustrations are beautiful. Lovely addition to any library. Americans will also recognize all of these species.
Jonathan Brant –
I have to agree that this is a wonderful book visually and in content too. A real treat to settle down with on a winter’s afternoon. It contains lots of long forgotten gems of information and brings alive the cultural appreciation of many everyday and less common birds which would have been commonplace but which is now largely unknown. A real delight!
Alberta –
A Excellent book but only for UK , not US birds
Alfons –
Sehr interassentes Buch. Auch gut verständlich wenn man nicht perfekt Englisch spricht. Toll für alle die sich sich für Vögel, Folklore und ein bisschen Geschichte interessieren.
Mr. J. Brown –
I really did enjoy this book. You could keep dipping into or read it all the way through, but there are thirty chapters and I found it made thirty good bed-time stories. Some of the historical revelations are very surprising indeed! Pigeons accused of threatening the lives of prime ministers, seagulls being used to hunt for u-boats, and Charles II keeping a starling in his bedroom. There are lots of great anecdotes and fascinating tales here, and its all written in a very enjoyable way that makes you want to keep reading.
Amazon Customer –
I have a daughter who is very much into orintology. This will be a nice gift for her.
Sharon lord –
This book is a delight, offering historical and amazing insight into human reaction with birds. It is very well researched. I often raise the stories with friends and they make great conversation starters.
Vivian M. –
I like the great photos and educational