Falcon

By: Helen Macdonald

Narrated by: Helen Macdonald

Length: 4 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's summary

Before best-selling author Helen Macdonald told the story of the goshawk in H Is for Hawk, she told the story of the falcon, in a cultural history of the masterful creature that can "cut the sky in two" with the "perfectly aerodynamic profile of a raindrop", as she so incisively puts it. In talon-sharp prose she explores the spell the falcon has had over her and, by extension, all of us, whether we've seen them "through binoculars, framed on gallery walls, versified by poets, flown as hunting birds, through Manhattan windows, sewn on flags, stamped on badges, or winnowing through the clouds over abandoned arctic radar stations." 

Macdonald dives through centuries and careens around the globe to tell the story of the falcon as it has flown in the wild skies of the natural world and those of our imagination. Mixing history, myth, and legend, she explores the long history of the sport of falconry in many human cultures - from Japan to Abu Dhabi to Oxford; she analyzes the falcon's talismanic power as a symbol in art, politics, and business; and she addresses the ways we have both endangered and protected it. Along the way we discover how falcons were mobilized in secret military projects; their links with espionage, the Third Reich, the Holy Roman Empire, and space programs; and how they have figured in countless stories of heroism and, of course, the erotic. 

Best of all, Macdonald has given us something fresh: a new introduction that draws on all her experience to even further invigorate her cherished subject. The result is a deeply informed book written with the same astonishing lyrical grace that has captivated listeners and had everyone talking about this writer-cum-falconer.

©2006 Helen Macdonald (P)2018 Recorded Books

poor experience

narrative style is irritating sound quality is poor this has been an overall frustrating user experience

Helen Macdonald scores again!

I am now a devoted fan of both hawks and falcons, and Helen Macdonald. If you want to know more about these fascinating birds, or just love to listen to her narrate, this book is not you. If you’re looking for a more emotional account, I’d recommend H is for Hawk.

The information and enthusiasm

I am very happy this book was created. I have a strong connection with Falcons and Hawks. This book gave me more insights on what I can learn from them.

Such a disappointment but probably not . . .

Such a disappointment but probably not in the way you may expect. Despite my great love of falcons and my great delight in finding this book and its author, I was not able to audibly "peruse" it as I had hoped. No perusing here. The author, obviously extremely knowledgeable, and quick in more ways than one, unfortunately reads like a champion horse at the races. She was off and running and long gone before I could manage to catch my breath. "Wait! Wait! I'm coming! Please slow down! I so want to hear all of your story!" But it was not to be. Several attempts yielded the same result. I was left in her verbal dust. So sad.

And no, there will be no visual reading of this book for me - not something I can manage. So I will say "Ta-ta!" and wish you well, Ms. Macdonald. Perhaps at some point up the line a means to access the rest of this story will reveal itself. That would be lovely. I look forward to it.

PS: I would have preferred not to rate the book at all (not fair to the author) but was not allowed to review without those ratings.