The Chicken Book by Page Smith & Charles Daniel (Review)

[Half-Mile Farm]

I have been looking for a different kind of chicken book to read this winter that is less "romanticized memoir" or "beginner guide-like" and more natural history oriented. This reprint from 1975 fit the bill. Written as a full biological, zoological, and cultural history of the domestic chicken from wild pre-history to present (1975) with warts and all (cock-fighting and factory production are covered), its a very engaging read. Some reviews feel the cock-fighting chapters take away from the book but I disagree. In a full history of the domesticated chicken it has to be in the book.

It has made this long winter tolerable.

 

[aart]

Thanks! Found it in my state inter-library loan.
The one I found has a different cover and was published in 2000.
When was yours published?

 

[Half-Mile Farm]

2000 but this is the paperback version. Anyone interested in the significant place chickens hold in human history will enjoy this book. I'm frankly surprised its not more readily talked about in chicken circles.

 

[aart]

Will have to wait and see if it's hard covered, should get it in about a week or so.


Interesting stuff about one of the authors.