In this third edition of his classic guide to training, caring for, and hunting with falcons and hawks, Phillip Glasier, an experienced teacher of falconry, continues to provide the best, most detailed information available to the beginner. In conjunction with raptor specialist Greg Simpson, he presents completely new, fully up-to-date coverage of health and disease, as well as in-depth advice on keeping birds of prey loose in an aviary. Both newcomers and those familiar with the sport will find invaluable knowledge.
Phillip Edward Brougham Glasier was Britain's leading expert on hawking and falconry. Glasier initiated a new interest in falconry in both the UK and the United States of America. He spent much of his life involved with the conservation and breeding of raptors and bringing them to public attention through the foundation of the Falconry Centre (now the International Centre for Birds of Prey), Newent, Gloucestershire, as well as through books, lectures and public demonstrations. He founded the Hawk Trust (now the Hawk and Owl Trust) with John Burkett and the Raptor Breeders' Association.
A very good book, that provides a helpful reference for anybody with an interest in birds of prey. My copy has a chapter on the history of the sport, and on modern-day hawking for Houbara Bustard (Chlamydotis undulata) using Saker falcons (Falco cherrug), as well as frequent anecdotes on the part of the author, provide a fascinating insight into humanity's relationship with nature.
I bought this book a few years back when I was committed to becoming a falconer. A few years down the line, that dream has not been fulfilled and I seriously doubt that it ever will be. However, this book still holds a lot of interest for me. Falconry is a sadly dying art and something that if particularly fascinating, difficult and ultimately beautiful. This book is a veritable "bible" of information about the pretty ancient art of falconry. It's not cheap, but I'd recommend trying to pick up a cut-price copy if you have an interest in this wonderful sport.
This is an excellent reference for a falconry and hawking. This is not really a book to read through like a story, but a reference that you keep and refer to for information.