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
'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
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
‘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, Atlantic
‘A natural story teller, Skaife writes with affection and insight about these powerful, unpredictable and highly intelligent birds … a wonderfully personal account’ Guardian
‘The best Christmas presents are often a little unexpected and this lovely memoir of Yeoman Warder Christopher Skaife's experience of looking after the Tower of London ravens fits the bill. A beguiling mixture of personal experience, folklore and humour, The Ravenmaster is a charming delight’ iNews
‘A strange, wise and fascinating book that takes you deep into the interwoven myth and history of the raven. At a time when we're thinking more than ever about tradition and identity, this is a book that feels both urgent and timeless, with the Ravenmaster himself an eccentric, genial and quintessentially British narrator’ Alex Preston, author of When Kingfishers Catch Fire
‘The London book of the year this year has to be The Ravenmaster, a funny and informative account of life with the royal ravens’ Evening Standard
‘Balancing fascinating tidbits with macabre details (blood-soaked dog biscuits and ghostly sightings), [Skaife] titillates as he educates, rehabilitating the gloomy reputation of the raven. Skaife’s conversational style and disarming candor make this a rollicking tale fit for nearly any armchair adventurer’ Publisher's Weekly
What listeners say about The Ravenmaster
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 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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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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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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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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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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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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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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