A Rage for Falcons

by Stephen Bodio, Jonathan Wilde (Illustrator)

A beautifully written account of the people involved in the sport of falconry and of the magnificent birds of prey that are the objects of the author's fascination and devotion. Enhanced with original line drawings.

Genres: Birds, Nonfiction, Memoir

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1984

Reviews

[Caleb CW · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Here, at the very edge of the city, it seems we have found a way of going on, of touching the wild in this twentieth century."

I want to own this book. I am going to own this book. Wow. What a fantastic read from start to finish. Wildly informative and fascinating. The author is passionate about his subject and passes on his love of the craft to the next generations in the same way a father teaches camping or fishing. It feels like a duty, but at the same time, that wonder of something special shines through. This is truly something special. Originally, I just checked it out from the library for research purposes, but it quickly climbed onto my favorite list of books. Very well written, funny, and quite the adventure. I highly recommend this one to anybody. This is just a delightful read. It will have you open-mouthed in awe and wonder.

There it is and there you have it.

[Lee Stewart-Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A look inside an experience few will know first hand.

A Rage for Falcons takes you on a journey few will get to experience, but through his words Stephen Bodio draws you into the lives of these magnificent, noble predators of the air and into the lives and experience of those fortunate to partner with them. This is a book that I found well worth reading and is one I will acquire in material form to add to my library to be read and re-read.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting and enjoyable. About the first third of the book is about just the birds, as opposed to the sport, and I found it absolutely fascinating! In fact I'm going to re-read that section and take notes... His writing style is casual, in a relaxed "story-telling" way.

[Nancy Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is no practical reason for falconry to exist. Although it probably originated as long as 4,000 years ago, it is amazing that the practice did not die out soon afterward when its first adherents starved. Probably then as now, hawking was a sort of recreation for the lucky few rather than a practical way to put meat on the table.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This great little book was truly a joy to read. To those who are flabbergasted as to why anyone would spend so much time, talent, and material possessions in the pursuit of an antiquated hobby: read this book. The author Stephen Bodio knows how to write in such a way that you really feel the passion (or "rage") that falconers feel for their birds and their sport. Bodio takes the reader through trapping, training, and hunting with his feathered companions, and the reader exults in the cold, the adrenaline rush, and occasional heartbreak that accompanies the great art of falconry. Recommended for falconers, their families, friends and victims.

[Johnny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I spent a good portion of my childhood with a falconer hunting ducks with his Gyr. I was the guide and flusher. I wish I read this book a long time ago. It helped me understand falconers and what makes them so single minded. Mr. Bodio could write about PBJ sandwiches though and evoke some credible mystery from the grammar school food ration! This is a really special book.

[Norma J. Engelberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Makes you want to fly

Bodio's writing is lyrically beautiful and often funny. His descriptions of the hawks, their training, and the hunt are so detailed that you almost feel that you're there with them every step. Good illustrations, too.

[Matt Mesa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful short treatise on mostly the falconer. My daughter is becoming a falconer and I read this book to share in her joy and passion.

[Mike Augustine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly enlightening and engagingly written. This book comes closest to explaining the essence of falconry than other larger books I’ve read.

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book. I reread it every few years.

[Colleen Dietz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Educational and fun to read!