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4.02 AVERAGE
4.02 AVERAGE
I visited the Tower of London and saw the ravens for myself in 2019 and found them so fascinating that I picked up this book. I'm glad I finally got around to reading it. I learned so much about the job and life of the Yeoman Warders, the history of ravens at the Tower, the individual ravens living there now, and the folklore surrounding ravens in general. A highly informative and entertaining read!
I visited the Tower of London in 2018 and was able to see the Ravens first hand. They are gorgeous birds and the Wardens are so lively and helpful and interesting. I really enjoyed reading about the Ravens and the way things work at the Tower. Highly recommend this to anyone who loves to read about the lucky people who get to keep this historical site running and the Ravens who keep it standing.
I learned waaay more about ravens than I ever wanted to. The history parts that connect the ravens to the tower is interesting. He does get off the point and goes into his early career before he was stationed at the Tower a few too many times for my taste. It's an interesting read, but definitely a get from the library, not a buy.
informative
This is an enjoyable book written by the current Ravenmaster at the Tower of London (the guy responsible for caring for the Tower's ravens). In the book, Christopher Skaife discusses aspects of caring for the ravens and what his life is like at the Tower, in addition to some recollection of his earlier life, especially the 24 years he spent in the military.
I listened to this on audiobook, and I would definitely recommend doing it that way--Skaife narrates, and it's definitely an enjoyable time. The structure of the book is extremely informal, jumping from story to story, and so it works really well as an audiobook. I'm not sure how memorable this will be for me, but it was definitely a fun listen.
I listened to this on audiobook, and I would definitely recommend doing it that way--Skaife narrates, and it's definitely an enjoyable time. The structure of the book is extremely informal, jumping from story to story, and so it works really well as an audiobook. I'm not sure how memorable this will be for me, but it was definitely a fun listen.
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death
adventurous
informative
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
This is a really interesting book. It unique in the sense it isn't just another bird book. It's about the Ravens of London Tower. Skaife writes in a easy to read narration that truly shows us what life is like as a ravenmaster. It would be fun if I ever go to London to visit the London Tower and it's Ravens.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book about the ravens at the Tower of London and the man who looks after them. We are introduced to each raven individually and learn about their habits, routines, adventures and their entire species. Well done!
This was an absolute pleasure to read. Maybe I found myself so engrossed because the Tower is my favorite spot in London and I love learning about it, but I really enjoyed Skaife's chronicles of his position in the Tower and what that entails.
In my couple of trips to London, the Tower is the one place I have visited multiple times within each trip. There is so much to see, including the famous ravens. I cannot say I knew much about the ravens, other than they are iconic at the Tower. This was a great work to really learn about their role and kind of the history behind their role and the part they play... as well as Skaife's role too.
A very quick and fun read, I really recommend this to anyone with an interest in the Tower and wanting to learn more about a specific aspect of it.
In my couple of trips to London, the Tower is the one place I have visited multiple times within each trip. There is so much to see, including the famous ravens. I cannot say I knew much about the ravens, other than they are iconic at the Tower. This was a great work to really learn about their role and kind of the history behind their role and the part they play... as well as Skaife's role too.
A very quick and fun read, I really recommend this to anyone with an interest in the Tower and wanting to learn more about a specific aspect of it.