The Ravenmaster
My Life with the Ravens at the Tower of London
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The Ravenmaster
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Narrated by:
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Christopher Skaife
About this listen
For centuries, the Tower of London has been home to a group of famous avian residents: the ravens. Each year they are seen by millions of visitors, and they have become as integral a part of the Tower as its ancient stones themselves. But their role is even more important than that – legend has it that if the ravens should ever leave, the Tower will crumble into dust, and great harm will befall the kingdom.
One man is personally responsible for ensuring that such a disaster never comes to pass – the Ravenmaster. The current holder of the position is Yeoman Warder Christopher Skaife, and in this fascinating, entertaining and touching book he memorably describes the ravens’ formidable intelligence, their idiosyncrasies and their occasionally wicked sense of humour.
Over the years in which he has cared for the physical and mental well-being of these remarkable birds, Christopher Skaife has come to know them like no one else. They are not the easiest of charges – as he reveals, they are much given to mischief, and their escapades have often led him into unlikely, and sometimes even undignified, situations.
Now, in the first intimate behind-the-scenes account of life with the ravens of the Tower, the Ravenmaster himself shares the folklore, history and superstitions surrounding both the birds and their home. The result is a compelling, inspiring and irreverent story that will delight and surprise anyone with an interest in British history or animal behaviour.
©2018 Christopher Skaife (P)2018 HarperCollins PublishersListeners also enjoyed...
Critic reviews
"Packed with insight and anecdote, his story brings the Tower ravens to vivid life, each bird with a personality of its own. I've been fortunate enough to tour the Tower and meet the ravens a few times in years past; after reading this book, I cannot wait to go back." (George R. R. Martin)
"He is a born storyteller." (Evening Standard)
"A born storyteller with a gift for banter honed by years in the British army, Skaife has written a book that is far from a dry monograph about the species … [it is] a beguiling, fascinating, and highly amusing account of the strangely magical birds. He is making us love them in a way that makes them more than mere symbols." (Helen Macdonald, author of H is for Hawk)
What listeners say about The Ravenmaster
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Nicola
- 10-01-19
Very entertaining
Great book! You might think it's an odd choice but well worth a listen to
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- yoke daams
- 10-10-22
Enjoyable book
As a lover of Corvids I really liked this book. And even if you're not into birds, you'll enjoy this.
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- HelleBelle
- 14-10-22
Devoured it
Aw what a wonderful book! Finished it in two days. It made me laugh out loud.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Marie
- 01-03-19
A real insight
Throughly enjoyed listening to this audiobook. A real insight into the life of The Ravenmaster. His passion for his work shines throughout.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Shannyshark
- 25-12-20
loved it! I would highly recommend this book.
amazing tale about the Ravens and the work Chris does to care for them, fab!
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- Michael Hougham
- 27-04-22
a personal account of life at the tower
for both history lovers and Raven fans alike
the author gives an authentic and indepth decription of working with the birds and life at the tower.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- A R-J
- 06-10-18
What a fantastic book
Tbis book is delivered beautifully and you're captivated from the very beginning. Learning about the Ravens and the Ravenmaster himself is magical. I would recommend this to everyone.
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- morguevbm
- 26-10-18
fantastic
A brilliant insight into these wonderful birds, the ravenmasters life and the amazing tower of London.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- E Cowie
- 10-11-19
lovely man lovely story
absolutely bewitching. So interesting and calming. I listen to him every night and envy him
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- sally
- 16-06-21
unique story
comprehensive one means account of life with a bird little understood and worth knowing more about
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