The Art of Falconry, by Frederick II of Hohenstaufen - (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

De Arte Venandi cum Avibus was written shortly before the year 1250 by Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor, King of Sicily and Jerusalem, in whose court, with its remarkably cosmopolitan and highly intellectual life, may be found the real beginning of the Italian Renaissance. In spite of its title, it is far more than a dissertation on hunting. There is a lengthy introduction dealing with the anatomy of birds, an intensely interesting description of avian habits, and the excursions of migratory birds.

Indeed, this ancient book has long been recognized as the first zoological treatise written in the critical spirit of modern science. The sumptuous volume now in hand is, however, the first translation into English of the complete text, originally divided into a prologue and size books. Together, the translators and editors, have at last made available this classic work and have adorned it with notes, comments, bibliographies, and glossary. They have produced a work of great value to zoologists--especially the ornithologist--and also to everyone interested in the history of science and in medieval art and letters.

From the Back Cover

Together, the translators and editors have at last made available this classic work and have adorned it with notes, comments, bibliographies, and glossary. They have produced a monograph of great value to zoologists-especially the ornithologist-and also to every one interested in the history of science and in medieval art and letters.

Review Quotes

"The publication of De Arte Venandi will now be greeted with unstinted enthusiasm by medievalists, historians of science, and practicing falconers. Had Wood and Fyfe produced a slim volume of skimpy translations, instead of this rich and superb tome, the debt owed them would have been great. Being what it is, their work cannot be overestimated in its consequences, nor their patience, skill, and devotion to that work too highly praised. . . . For bringing back to life a masterpiece like De Arte Venandi we owe them a great debt of gratitude."
Isis

"The Stanford University Press is to be congratulated upon the format of the volume it is definitely a book collector's item, to be displayed with pride."
American Scientist

"A scholarly and beautiful book that contains not only a translation of the treatise but a series of additional essays by the translators and other writes which together give a well-rounded picture of the noble art of falconry. . . . A great contribution to the history of science and to the history of medieval culture at large. Special mention must be made of the 186 beautiful plates that constitute a regular iconography of falconry." Bulletin of the History of Medicine

About the Author

The late Dr. Casey Wood was Honorary Collaborator on Birds in the Smithsonian Institution and founder of the Wood Library of Ornithology at McGill University.