Observations on Modern Falconry

Fine hardcover, green cloth with gilt lettering on title and spine. Not illustrated. Originally published as a booklet in 1956, the 1972 edition was limited to 500 copies. This second edition, second issue, comes from the same impression as the earlier Peregrine Press issue but was not bound at the same time as the first 250 copies. William R. "Bob" Hecht, book dealer, purchased the remaining 250 copies and had them bound. The binding covers are nearly identical, green cloth with gold lettering, but the author's name on the cover is abbreviated to R. Stevens. In addition, a label with Hecht's name was placed on the title page and a label offering Hecht's book catalogue is affixed on recto of rear end paper.

Ronald Stevens was one of the most proficient and respected falconers of the twentieth century. In no way a "how-to" book, its contents are well described by its title. As state in his Foreword, these are reflections on various aspects of the sport based on some thirty seasons afield as considered by a very thoughtful practitioner. When he wrote this book his "observations" were largely overlooked, perhaps due to the book's unimposing and unillustrated format. However, with the passage of time, the work has gained a devoted following and is now widely regarded as a modern classic. Among other things, it contains some of the most insightful writing on the subject of hooding.