If you’re looking for a book that covers most aspect of the sport for the beginner, this should be on the top of your list but more about that later.

The most distinguishing thing about this book is its orientation. The book is wider than it is high. It’s about 28 ½ cms long, 21 cms high and 1 cm think. The only other books in my collection with this type of orientation are “Healthy Pigeons” by Ludwig Schrag and “Fancy Pigeons” by Erich Muller/Ludwig Schrag.

The book covers many topics of the sport not usually found in one title. Most books concentrate on a single topic or subject.

Though covering many topics, the book is too short to be thorough but for a beginner, it is a good introduction to the sport.

Some of the topics covered are; Selection & Pairing, Young Birds (feeding & medication, preparing for the special, preparation, techniques), Old Bird Management, Polygamous & Rotational Breeding, Selection Theories (eyesign, muscle, vents, etc.) Useful Odds & Ends, Feeding, Widowhood Hens, Wing, Clocks/timer, Traps and more.

Before I end this review, here are the most interesting topics on this book for me.

1. Eyesign – I have many eyesign books in my collection like those of Jack Barkel, SWE Bishop, Rob Woolliss, R Fleming, Colin Osman, Felix Gigot, Brian Vickers and Jan Lambrechts but in this book the author gives a brief summary of eyesign and discusses particular theories like Line of Sight theory, Inner-eye Muscle theory, Bishop’s theory, Fleming/Neeley theory and Metallic Fleck theory. The topic is not as thoroughly discussed but it does give the reader a clearer understanding of eyesign.

2. Individual Fanciers – The book also includes articles on Remi de May, Armand Zazueta, Bill ‘Red’ Solt and Campbell Strange. In all the years I have read and researched about pigeon racing, there are few articles on Armand Zazueta (protégé of Hank Vernazza) and Campbell Strange (former owner of Oak Have Farms). Remi de May’s widowhood hen system is nicely explained (he is also covered in “Masters of Breeding & Racing” by Victor van Salen). Unfortunately I am not familiar with Bill Solt except from what is in the book.

3. Avian Medical Formulary – This was compiled by the Association of Avian Veterinarians. Click here of a copy.

4. Medicine Combos – With the number of available medicines and supplements needed by our birds, sometimes there doesn’t seem enough days in a week to administer them all. Here the author gives some medicine combos for treating several concerns at once.

All in all a very good book and as I said e very nice introduction for the beginner.

Will to Prepare book