Ravens are truly fascinating birds and in some ways, capable of more human traits than the majority of us realise.

Christopher 's love, enthusiasm and sense of humour was clear to hear in his narration and that made it a joy to listen to. I found it fascinating, funny, intriguing, heartwarming and heartbreaking while meeting Chris, learning about how he came to work at the tower and the 7 ravens he looks after and hearing about all their adventures and misadventures together. I expected to like it but I ended up loving it! It's a great balanced mixture of autobiography, history of the Tower and the ravens who reside there as well as a great insight into the raven itself coverings biology and culture as well as the myths and legends surrounding the birds. The result is a compelling, inspiring and irreverent story that will delight and surprise anyone with an interest in British history or animal behaviour.ĥ Stars Ever since first seeing The Crow in 2004 I've always been fascinated by ravens and my dad worked at the Tower of London as a chef at some point, likely before I was born so when I discovered this book I just had to listen to it. 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. 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. 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.

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. One man is personally responsible for ensuring that such a disaster never comes to pass – the Ravenmaster. 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. 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. For centuries, the Tower of London has been home to a group of famous avian residents: the ravens.

The Ravenmaster by Christopher Skaife