THE BOOK OF THE WOOD PIGEON. By Colin Willock.

1995 1st edition. 8vo (160 x 240mm). Ppxviii,157. B/w illustrations by Will Garfit, bibliography. Brown cloth, gilt feather motif to upper board, spine titled in gilt.

This is a comprehensive study of the wood pigeon, with splendid black and white illustrations by Will Garfit, and a whole chapter on Archie Coats. In this book "Colin Willock has covered the wood pigeon in the British countryside, its relations, natural history, its position as public enemy, and previous research by R.K. Murton. There is a short history of pigeon shooting and record days, and a portrait of Archie Coats, the great master of pigeon shooting, a wood pigeon almanac and a chapter with some thoughts on the wood pigeon's future - not to mention some good advice and mouthwatering recipes for wood pigeon in the kitchen." Chapters include: What they said about the wood pigeon; The wood pigeon and the British countryside; The wood pigeon and its relations; The natural history of the wood pigeon; Wood pigeon, public enemy; The most studied bird; Pigeon shooting, a very short history; The Master (Archie Coats); A wood pigeon almanac; The wood pigeon, any answers?; The wood pigeon in the kitchen (recipes). A good read with lots of practical observations and useful information.