HOODS, HOODING AND HOODMAKING. By James West Nelson.

2016 1st edition. Large 4to (222 x 286mm). Ppxxx,553 + viii notes. B/w photographs and illustrations, bibliography, illustrated end-papers. Laminated boards, issued without dust-wrapper.

This is a comprehensive book on Hoods, Hooding and Hoodmaking for raptors from around the world. It will prove to be of great value to falconer's, bird-abatement specialists, rehabilitation experts, zoos, and all others requiring hoods and hooding techniques for these birds. This massive work on the subject has taken many years to prepare and fine tune and the result has been well worth the wait. Chapters include:- Part I: Hoods: A history of hoods; Types of hoods; A history of the American hood; Proper fit; Maintenance of hoods; Use of the hood in the field and mews; Hooded vs. bareheaded; Part II - Hooding: The act of hooding; Principles and approaches; Techniques; High-level tidbitting; Hood training the passage bird; Hood training the eyass; Reclaiming the hoodshy bird; Part III - Hoodmaking: Setting up shop; Of braces and plumes; Constructing the Anglo-Indian hood; Constructing the darted hood; The manufacture of blocks and molds; Constructing glued Dutch-type hoods; Hand sewing hoods; Constructing the Syrian hood; Tailoring. Appendices include:- Sizing chart; Leather thickness chart; Trouble shooting; Patterns. "In his treatise on all the aspects of the hood, Jim Nelson has given us far more than any might imagine existed on the subject. The beauty is that we now have it, all preserved in a single volume." (Kent Carnie). "When Jim Nelson's Hood, Hooding and Hoodmaking arrived it had me in its grip from the first few pages. ...This is a captivating yet technical book that will age well and find its way into our libraries. ...I recommend this remarkable book without reservation." (Harry McElroy). "As a master hoodmaker and falconer, Jim Nelson describes and illustrated in great detail the craft of hoodmaking. Nothing is left to your imagination. ...Expertly written, this book will be one of the most sought-after falconry books for decades to come." (Ken Hooke).