Description
In this sensitive story of a brave pigeon and the people of Devon, Henry Williamson fully explores the delicate balance of the tame and wild elements that co-exist in life and the possibilities of man’s relationship with nature.
The Scandaroon is found by Sam Baggott on board a ship just pulled into the Devon harbor. She is one of a strong breed of homing pigeons from the Baltic. Fond of pleasures similar to man’s, these birds enjoy their own mates, their own lofts, and good food. Guided by the passing of time and the sun’s angle, these pigeons will have the dangers of gales and preying hawks to return home as quickly as possible.
Sam Baggott is not a cruel man, simply uncaring, and he can see no harm in baiting the beautiful bird with strips of poisoned meat to lure the hawks that menace the other pigeons. During one of these flights, the Scandaroon is wounded. She is found by the tow doctor who tends her until her injuries have healed, and Peter, a gentle young boy, assists in healing her.
Each year at Midsummer Revel, the residents of Devon hold races pitting these pigeons against each other to rest their homing instincts. Only man could devise such sport, and only man could think up. The contest shows the differences between man and bird tellingly – the one so aggressive and manipulative, the other so stoic and accepting.
the glorious intricacies of nature and man’s futile attempt to understand its find mechanism of spirit and intuition are captured in this heartwarming story of the Scandaroon and her effect on the people who care for her.
The publishing page has “First American Edition” stated.
Sold as-is.
Product Details
- Condition: Used – Good Condition – like new; very small rip on the dust jacket
- Hardcover: 152 pages with dust jacket
- Publisher: Saturday Review Press, First American Edition (1973)
- Language: English
- Illustrations: B&W hand illustrations
- ISBN-10: 0841502404
- ISBN-13: 978-0841502406
- Product Dimensions: 22.5 x 15 x 1.5 cm
- Shipping Weight: 260 g
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