Extraordinary Pigeons
- Book Review,
by Stephen Green-Armytage
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.
Book Description
The author and photographer who opened a glorious window into the world of exotic birds with his hugely successful Extraordinary Chickens and its well-received follow-up, Extraordinary Pheasants, continues his startling photographic exploration with another singular and charming book. The striking images in Stephen Green-Armytage's first book showed that "the world of chickens is a world of wonders" (New York Times Book Review). Now this arresting new volume-a look at pigeon breeds from around the world-captures as we have never seen before the eccentric and often surprising features of these amazing creatures. Pigeons of all sizes, shapes, and colors parade through these pages-from the Volga Tumbler Pigeons to the Philippine Bleeding Heart Doves (doves are actually pigeons, just small ones), from the flamboyant Jacobins who wear their lavish feathers like a boa, and the Pouters who puff out their chests to absurd proportions, to the Trumpeters who sport floppy crowns reminiscent of moptop 1960s pop groups. The astonishing color photographs, enhanced by a brief, informative text, make this a perfect gift for birders, breeders, animal lovers, and photography buffs alike.
About the Author
Stephen Green-Armytage's photographs have appeared in numerous books and magazines, including Sports Illustrated, Life, Fortune, and Smithsonian. The author/photographer of Abrams' Extraordinary Chickens and Extraordinary Pheasants as well as the delightful children's book Dudley: The Little Terrier That Could, he lives in New York City.
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