I am in the process of reading Dan Bertalan's book, Traditional Bowyer's Encyclopedia, and I must say that it offers tremendous insight into the lives of a number of known bowyers and into the bows they produce. It has much to say about the shooting of bows and the shooting philosophies these bowyers believe in and use. I found Ron Pittsley's views on target panic and overcoming target panic to be very helpful, especially his concept of freezing. San Marco and his meticulous approach to bow making was extremely helpful in understanding the shooting dynamics of his bows and the materials he employs in their production. I wish I had read this book before buying a custom bow because it gives the person both newcomer and experienced bowhunter/archer alike something to think about in terms of what they need and what they need to be asking the bowyer's about their products. There are so many good things in this book it is impossible to cover them all, but I think I will read it from cover to cover a second time just in case I missed something the first time. If you have read this book I would be interested in what you learned from it and why you would recommend it to others? I would also like to know if there was any particular bowyer that you connected with and how that person helped you with your shooting and hunting with traditional equipment?
I have a copy, Infact it's signed by Dan Bertalan, It was given to me by a friend. As a bowyer I like to read it from time to time to read about some of the methods the legends used. I get some pointers from them I guess you could say. It's too bad that some of them have moved on to other things. Regardless they are all an inspirtation to me.
-Mike
I also have this book. I'll read it as soon as possible.
Great book and a must read for anyone considering building their own bows.
Dan used to write articles for TBM, I haven't seen anything by him in several years. Is he still shooting/hunting in traditional archery?
Duncan, I e-mailed him yesterday from his website, www.greatoutdoorsmultimedia.com. (http://www.greatoutdoorsmultimedia.com.) I received an automated response saying he was out of the office but would get back in touch when he gets back. Whether he still shoots or hunts with traditional gear I really do not know.
It is a great book, very enlightening.