Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Collection
Publication
Picador (2019), Edition: Reprint, 272 pages
Description
The first behind-the-scenes account of life with the legendary ravens at the world's eeriest monument The ravens at the Tower of London are of mighty importance: rumor has it that if a raven from the Tower should ever leave, the city will fall. The title of Ravenmaster, therefore, is a serious title indeed, and after decades of serving the Queen, Yeoman Warder Christopher Skaife took on the added responsibility of caring for the infamous ravens. In The Ravenmaster , he lets us in on his life as he feeds his birds raw meat and biscuits soaked in blood, buys their food at Smithfield Market, and ensures that these unusual, misunderstood, and utterly brilliant corvids are healthy, happy, and ready to captivate the four million tourists who flock to the Tower every year. A rewarding, intimate, and inspiring partnership has developed between the ravens and their charismatic and charming human, the Ravenmaster, who shares the folklore, history, and superstitions surrounding the ravens and the Tower. Shining a light on the behavior of the birds, their pecking order and social structure, and the tricks they play on us, Skaife shows who the Tower's true guardians really are--and the result is a compelling and irreverent narrative that will surprise and enchant.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member Beamis12
I found every aspect of this book incredibly well done. From the personal tone it is written in, to all the interesting information it imparts. We get to know the Ravenmaster, his time in the military, and what it takes to get this position in the tower. We learn about the Ravens, not only the
All the superstitions associated with Ravens, from the heralders of death, to one of my favorite parts, the connection between the esteemed Charles Dickens and his use of Ravens in his novels. The most famous being the Raven Grip in Barnsby Rudge. As the author notes, "I may have a rather partial view, but to my mind Dickens counts as a genius not because of his prolific output, nor because of his famous public performances and his great public works, but because he gets every single detail about Ravens right!"
Of course the famous inhabitants of the Tower, and stories associated with them and the tower itself are included. In fact, for a book without a large number of pages, there is much information s d entertainment to be found. I enjoyed every moment of my reading experience, but then again this is the season for the macabre. Hi baby by
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stories that surround their being at the tower, but an up close look at their habitats, and even their personalities. One of their favorite snacks are dog bones soaked in blood. Well, they are carnivores, after all.All the superstitions associated with Ravens, from the heralders of death, to one of my favorite parts, the connection between the esteemed Charles Dickens and his use of Ravens in his novels. The most famous being the Raven Grip in Barnsby Rudge. As the author notes, "I may have a rather partial view, but to my mind Dickens counts as a genius not because of his prolific output, nor because of his famous public performances and his great public works, but because he gets every single detail about Ravens right!"
Of course the famous inhabitants of the Tower, and stories associated with them and the tower itself are included. In fact, for a book without a large number of pages, there is much information s d entertainment to be found. I enjoyed every moment of my reading experience, but then again this is the season for the macabre. Hi baby by
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LibraryThing member BillieBook
Narrated by the author, with whom I now want to hang out and have a drink.
LibraryThing member Stbalbach
Memoir by the current Ravenmaster at the Tower of London. Having never been there or even knowing ravens hung out there it was all new. Skaife has a bartenders gift for conversation, likely honed over years of dealing with the public, and with VIP guests at the Tower bar. The focus is on the ravens
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which are interesting enough. His theory about the ravens origins at the Tower is good, but who knows. This is a light and easy read, notable for Skaife's personality and insider access to a popular tourist spot. Show Less
LibraryThing member Gwendydd
I wasn't quite sure what to expect from this, but it was disappointing. It's pretty touristy - Skaife spends a lot of time talking to tourists, so the book is full of the same kind of information he shares with tourists, which is mostly a bunch of anecdotes, a few historical facts, and an awful lot
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of army stories. You won't learn anything about ravens that you don't already know from watching a nature documentary. Show Less
LibraryThing member MickyFine
This is an utterly charming memoir from the current Ravenmaster at the Tower of London, whose primary duty is to care for the resident ravens at the Tower of London. Skaife is an excellent storyteller (you can definitely see his skills giving tours at the Tower at work here) and he weaves together
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his life experiences with his work at the Tower providing an insight into both Tower and raven lore and history, mixed with some insights into his own life and character. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and highly recommend it if it intrigues you even slightly. Show Less
LibraryThing member MontzaleeW
Ravenmaster
by Christopher Skaife
This is an audible book I requested and the review is voluntary.
This is one of the best non-fiction books I have read this year. I enjoyed everything about this book! The book is laid out wonderfully simple and efficiently. This is a book about taking care of the
He tells the history of the tower, of the job, we meet each raven and their personalities, odd things the ravens have done, odd things people have done (including the assists and Ravenmaster), ghosts, life in the tower, and so much more! Each chapter is truly amazing! I was spellbound! I really think he has an awesome job because I love ravens! He also discusses famous visitors, death of some ravens, what they do then, and more. I imagine the physical book might have pictures but I googled it.
The author's love for these birds, his job, his humor, intelligence, and pride in his country really shines through! I giggled a lot while listening to this! He also narrated the book which was wonderful to hear it from the Ravenmaster himself!
I recommend this book to everyone!!!
by Christopher Skaife
This is an audible book I requested and the review is voluntary.
This is one of the best non-fiction books I have read this year. I enjoyed everything about this book! The book is laid out wonderfully simple and efficiently. This is a book about taking care of the
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6-7 ravens at the tower of London! The author is the Ravenmaster. It is his job to keep the ravens safe and healthy and at the tower. This sounds simple but as he tells it, there is a lot to this job and it is also fascinating! I would love to be an assistant!He tells the history of the tower, of the job, we meet each raven and their personalities, odd things the ravens have done, odd things people have done (including the assists and Ravenmaster), ghosts, life in the tower, and so much more! Each chapter is truly amazing! I was spellbound! I really think he has an awesome job because I love ravens! He also discusses famous visitors, death of some ravens, what they do then, and more. I imagine the physical book might have pictures but I googled it.
The author's love for these birds, his job, his humor, intelligence, and pride in his country really shines through! I giggled a lot while listening to this! He also narrated the book which was wonderful to hear it from the Ravenmaster himself!
I recommend this book to everyone!!!
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LibraryThing member BookConcierge
Subtitle: My Life With the Ravens at the Tower of London
This memoir details Skaife’s career path to what has become his life’s work: the Ravenmaster at the Tower of London. He recounts what led to his joining the Army, some of his experiences in service and his chance decision to apply for a
Skaife is clear at the outset: he is not a scientist. But he has a passion for his work and has made a determined effort to educate himself on the history, anatomy, habits and natural behaviors of corvids in general, and ravens in particular. His dedication to his position as Ravenmaster is evident, as is his great love for the birds. But there were times when I felt the book dragged as he overwhelmed me with scientific detail. I most enjoyed the stories of his various escapades: tracking an escaped raven, climbing scaffolding in the near-dark to get a recalcitrant bird “ready for bed” or embellished histories used to amuse (and partly to educate) the public.
Final verdict: interesting but not gripping.
This memoir details Skaife’s career path to what has become his life’s work: the Ravenmaster at the Tower of London. He recounts what led to his joining the Army, some of his experiences in service and his chance decision to apply for a
Show More
position as a Yeoman Warder at the Tower upon retirement from active service. But he spends most of the book regaling the reader with stories about the ravens.Skaife is clear at the outset: he is not a scientist. But he has a passion for his work and has made a determined effort to educate himself on the history, anatomy, habits and natural behaviors of corvids in general, and ravens in particular. His dedication to his position as Ravenmaster is evident, as is his great love for the birds. But there were times when I felt the book dragged as he overwhelmed me with scientific detail. I most enjoyed the stories of his various escapades: tracking an escaped raven, climbing scaffolding in the near-dark to get a recalcitrant bird “ready for bed” or embellished histories used to amuse (and partly to educate) the public.
Final verdict: interesting but not gripping.
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LibraryThing member AngelaJMaher
A unique memoir from a man working in a unique job. Written in a conversational style, this is an enjoyable and enlightening read. It's a great book if you want to start learning about ravens (and has an excellent list of further reading in the back), but also worthwhile if you enjoy memoirs of
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people living unusual lives, or like history. Show Less
LibraryThing member bgknighton
An enjoyable introduction to the ravens of the Tower of London. An overview of their history, care, and personalities. A nice light read.
LibraryThing member gothamajp
One of the most surprising books I’ve read in a long time. Who thought that a book about an ex-infantry squadie who lives in an old castle looking after seven blackbirds could be so engrossing that I literally couldn’t put it down? This was an unplanned single sitting read. Skaife’s has a
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simple honest prose style (and I mean that as a compliment) that immediately engages and entertains. He comes across as a consummate story-teller and educator as well as a highly empathetic human. But the real stars are the Tower Ravens who emerge as distinct individuals with their own personalities and behavioral quirks. Show Less
LibraryThing member JulieStielstra
Lighthearted, chatty, affable - Ravenmaster Skaife is just the chap you'd like to have a pint with. Or two. He has a very cool job, taking care of the ravens at the Tower of London, AND he gets to LIVE in the Tower grounds. You maybe learn more about Skaife than you do about the ravens in this
I would note that the hardback copy I got from my library had a couple signatures transposed, so I had to do some hunting around to follow the pages in their intended order!
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little volume - but it's all enjoyable, fun, and a very pleasant read from an impressively self-taught military veteran, tour guide, historian, and caretaker for the smartest birds on earth. I would note that the hardback copy I got from my library had a couple signatures transposed, so I had to do some hunting around to follow the pages in their intended order!
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LibraryThing member reader1009
nonfiction/memoir of Yeoman Warder and Ravenmaster.
I was expecting more ravens; this had to do mostly with Skaife's life (including some war stories from his days spent as a soldier) and a few stories about the Tower of London (ghosts, birds, and follies).
I would have abandoned but it was a fairly
I was expecting more ravens; this had to do mostly with Skaife's life (including some war stories from his days spent as a soldier) and a few stories about the Tower of London (ghosts, birds, and follies).
I would have abandoned but it was a fairly
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short book so I just pushed through, but I can't say I'm much richer for it. Show Less
LibraryThing member JorgeousJotts
I'm a fan of ravens in general, and the tower ravens in particular. Skaife does a nice job conveying many of the highlights of working with ravens and the history of ravens at the Tower of London. He also shares some of his personal history that led him to where he is. The tone is pretty
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conversational, and it's nice that he narrates the audiobook version, so you really get the right emphasis exactly as he meant them. Show Less
LibraryThing member dele2451
A British Army veteran finds a second calling as the full-time caretaker of the legendary London Tower ravens. This book is an entertaining mix of bird folklore, British history, and avian science. Fun, informative, and a recommended read to anyone interested in Corvids and all those planning a
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visit to London. I also appreciated the photos and the recommended reading list in the back. Show Less
LibraryThing member forsanolim
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
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.
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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.
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Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2018
Physical description
272 p.; 7.59 inches
ISBN
125023493X / 9781250234933
Local notes
SMB