RAVENMASTER: My Life with The Ravens at The Tower of London

Yeoman Warder of Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress the Tower of London, the Ravenmaster gives a wonderfully personal insight about these powerful, unpredictable and highly intelligent birds. For centuries, the Tower of London has been home to a group of famous avian residents and each year the ravens are seen by millions of visitors, as much an integral part of the Tower as its ancient stones. 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. Current occupant Christopher Skaife memorably describes the ravens' formidable intelligence, their idiosyncrasies, and their occasionally wicked sense of humour and he delves into the folklore and superstitions that surround the birds and their unique home. We find out that there must be a least six ravens at the Tower and about one of the ravens named Erin who doesn't like him, how their care comes first, and how he had to miss a wedding anniversary meal with his wife because one was ill, and his tribute to Munin who died of old age just as Skaife was finishing the book. 241pp, paperback with colour photos.