The Art of Falconry: Being the De Arte Venandi Cum Avibus of Frederick II of Hohenstaufen

Discover the timeless craft of falconry as Frederick II outlines when and how to hunt cranes. This medieval manual blends practical advice with careful observations, guiding readers through seasons, weather, and daily practice to train and use falcons in the field.Written as a concise, instruction-focused treatise, it emphasizes the conditions that make crane hawking viable, including the best times of year, favorable weather, and optimal hours for flight. The work covers training, care, and the realities of keeping birds in peak hunting shape.Season-by-season guidance for crane hawking across regionsWeather and environmental factors that affect flight and successDaily timing and hours for flying gerfalcons and other hawksPractical notes on training, moult, and keeping falcons healthyIdeal for readers drawn to historical hunting manuals and medieval science, this edition sheds light on a storied art shaped by centuries of observation. Read more