This came up in a seperate thread but wanted to put it here for folks who may not have seen it. I recently purchased Saxton Pope's book "Hunting with the bow and arrow" and if you enjoy classic archery books this is in my opinion a must have. I downloaded it onto my kindle which works great because I can take it anywhere. It is interesting to read about his studies and findings pertaining to archery in the early 20th century. Everything from building your own bows, crafting arrows, etc. all done in the old ways. I have no doubt much of the information, if tried today, would produce equally favorable results for the backyard bowyer/archer as it did for him and his collegues during that period. If anyone HAS read it and better yet tried some of his instructions, how'd it turn out? Any time-tested truths in this book?
That book is a great read. Bowhunting as we know it was in its infancy back then, and Pope and Young were definitely pioneers. If you enjoyed that book, pick up "The Witchery of Archery" by Maurice Thompson. Another great take on our sport.
good call on "the witchery of archery" as well. both great books. my fave was "bows on the little delta" by glenn st Charles, but these all are must reads.
Hunting with the Bow and Arrow is my favorite trad related title so far. An absolute must have in the trad'bow hunter's library. I agree 100%, The Witchery of Archery is also a must read. If that book doesn't stir your soul and make you want to get into the woods, nothing will.
Good addition, The Witchery of Archery is actually mentioned in Pope's book as well. I'll search for it tonight. Thanks guys
We've certainly come a long way since Hunting With the Bow and Arrow. The instructions in it will work fine, but they were obviously way off base regarding bow woods and designs. And don't take their hunting suggestions as gospel either. They broke the ground, but we now know better than to wing shafts at game a hundred yards distant.
That said, it's an excellent book that I have owned several times. It keeps getting permanently loaned.
I learned about using a lip squeak for calling varmints from that book. Also followed intructions for fletching arrows just so I'd be comfortable doing it the old way.
Just a great read and source of inspiration.
This site right here http://www.archerylibrary.com/books/
Has several by Saxton Pope and many others, and is all free and available to read online
Thanks!