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Extraordinary Chickens
Stephen Green-Armytage, author/photographer of Abrams' enchanting The Little Terrier That Could, has now produced a unique adult book, introducing the bizarre and beautiful world of exotic ornamental chickens. His startling pictures present an international selection of breeds ranging from the Bearded Silkie and the crested Polish to the majestic Phoenix, whose tail feathers can exceed 10 feet in length. Chickens of all sizes, shapes, and colors parade through these pages, as Green-Armytage captures the surprising and expressive personality of these amazing birds. For breeders, this will be a volume they must own; for everyone else, it will be a revelation, prized for the sheer enjoyment of the striking photographs and the extraordinary animals they portray. STEPHEN GREEN-ARMYTAGE's photographs have appeared in many books and magazines. Author and photographer of the Abrams book The Little Terrier That Could, he lives in New York City. 165 photographs, 160 in full color, 9 x 10"
112 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2000
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
July 1, 2008
I was in Kew Gardens, in London, with my son and there were quite a few totally-unafraid golden pheasants doing their courting around our feet. I was so impressed by the primary-coloured beauty of them I got the book Extraordinary Pheasants. That was such a beautiful book covering the whole range of pheasants including peacocks that I got this book, Extraordinary Chickens.
Totally different book. Its just as well photographed but its almost a humorous book, the chickens are so incredibly silly-looking. Half of them looked like twittering ladies trying to impress with their hats at a garden party. But there were revelations too - a beautiful pure white-feathered chicken turns out to have coal black skin. I'd recommend this book as a gift to any one who keeps chickens, likes silly hats or instead of a fattening box of chocolates, to cheer oneself up.
Totally different book. Its just as well photographed but its almost a humorous book, the chickens are so incredibly silly-looking. Half of them looked like twittering ladies trying to impress with their hats at a garden party. But there were revelations too - a beautiful pure white-feathered chicken turns out to have coal black skin. I'd recommend this book as a gift to any one who keeps chickens, likes silly hats or instead of a fattening box of chocolates, to cheer oneself up.
December 30, 2019
This book has been haunting me for at least three years. During that time, goodreads has recommended it to me literally hundreds of times. Once I realised how frequently it was popping up, I started taking screenshots. Here is a selection from my collection:
No other review of 'Extraordinary Chickens' mentions having this bizarre experience. So what the hell is going on here? Why is goodreads so intent on me learning about chickens? Could the recommendation algorithm be confused by my erratic non-fiction reading? Presumably it uses machine learning, so am I an adversarial example? I've been posting the screenshots above on twitter, to share my puzzlement. After years of ignoring goodreads earnest entreaties, a friend got me a copy of 'Extraordinary Chickens' for Christmas. I absolutely hooted when I opened the parcel.
Having read the book, I now feel better informed about fancy chickens, yet this enlightenment seems disproportionately limited compared with the effort goodreads put into getting me to read it. There certainly are many spectacular specimens in there, some with 20ft tail feathers, others with antlers; some alarmingly large, others bafflingly small. Several look like the angry dinosaurs they are, while others resemble bored pheasants or discarded wigs. I was not previously aware that chickens could have horns, beards, or sideburns. The brief accompanying text is endearing, despite the rather unfortunate choice of boldface for the main text but not for headings. An idiosyncratic A to Z of chicken breeds is included, with amusing details. The photographer describes the experience of photographing extraordinary chickens as follows:
Joking aside, the photographs are beautiful and chicken plumage can be more striking than I had realised. The question is, now that goodreads has successfully peer-pressured me into reading 'Extraordinary Chickens' after a lengthy campaign, whatever will it recommend now? It has told me to read the American Constitution several times recently, so perhaps that's the new chicken portraits. Despite the vast amount of data on my reading habits that goodreads must have, I get sensible recommendations extremely rarely. Incredibly, the recommendation engine doesn't even seem to have identified that I like sci-fi. I must admit, I take a certain amount of pleasure in inadvertently stymying the algorithm. In your face, amazon, my reading tastes are beyond the ken of your big data analytics!
No other review of 'Extraordinary Chickens' mentions having this bizarre experience. So what the hell is going on here? Why is goodreads so intent on me learning about chickens? Could the recommendation algorithm be confused by my erratic non-fiction reading? Presumably it uses machine learning, so am I an adversarial example? I've been posting the screenshots above on twitter, to share my puzzlement. After years of ignoring goodreads earnest entreaties, a friend got me a copy of 'Extraordinary Chickens' for Christmas. I absolutely hooted when I opened the parcel.
Having read the book, I now feel better informed about fancy chickens, yet this enlightenment seems disproportionately limited compared with the effort goodreads put into getting me to read it. There certainly are many spectacular specimens in there, some with 20ft tail feathers, others with antlers; some alarmingly large, others bafflingly small. Several look like the angry dinosaurs they are, while others resemble bored pheasants or discarded wigs. I was not previously aware that chickens could have horns, beards, or sideburns. The brief accompanying text is endearing, despite the rather unfortunate choice of boldface for the main text but not for headings. An idiosyncratic A to Z of chicken breeds is included, with amusing details. The photographer describes the experience of photographing extraordinary chickens as follows:
Although some of my subjects were distinctly restless when asked to be models, most amazingly co-operative and patient. Only a small percentage flew away and had to be retrieved. None of them attempted to peck at me, and I suffered no wounds from beaks or claws. It wasn't unusual for birds to leave unwelcome souvenirs on my studio table, although for some reason this did not happen in Britain, where the chickens were remarkably well mannered.
Joking aside, the photographs are beautiful and chicken plumage can be more striking than I had realised. The question is, now that goodreads has successfully peer-pressured me into reading 'Extraordinary Chickens' after a lengthy campaign, whatever will it recommend now? It has told me to read the American Constitution several times recently, so perhaps that's the new chicken portraits. Despite the vast amount of data on my reading habits that goodreads must have, I get sensible recommendations extremely rarely. Incredibly, the recommendation engine doesn't even seem to have identified that I like sci-fi. I must admit, I take a certain amount of pleasure in inadvertently stymying the algorithm. In your face, amazon, my reading tastes are beyond the ken of your big data analytics!
March 5, 2023
Normally, I have no interest in chicken – except to eat, and as providers of eggs. As a young child on a farm, we had chickens, and they were all totally unremarkable, and forgettable – just bog standard white. The chickens in this book are stunning – you would never forget an encounter with one of these beautiful specimens.
I was alerted to the existence of this book by a Goodreads friend (thanks Petra), and bought a second-hand copy to see what the fuss was about. Birds are not really my thing – but beautiful photos are – and this book is full of them.
This book is an introduction to Show Chickens: those with extravagant feathers, tufts, coxcombs, colours, patterns … Each photo is a delight. The amazing variety of forms is quite mind-blowing. The owners must spend hours (days, years …) getting their birds into perfect shape for a show.
These are not the chickens you would generally buy to keep you supplied with eggs – these are the EXTRAORDINARY chickens, to be pampered and admired.
If you are having a bad day, and need cheering up – this is the book for you.
I was alerted to the existence of this book by a Goodreads friend (thanks Petra), and bought a second-hand copy to see what the fuss was about. Birds are not really my thing – but beautiful photos are – and this book is full of them.
This book is an introduction to Show Chickens: those with extravagant feathers, tufts, coxcombs, colours, patterns … Each photo is a delight. The amazing variety of forms is quite mind-blowing. The owners must spend hours (days, years …) getting their birds into perfect shape for a show.
These are not the chickens you would generally buy to keep you supplied with eggs – these are the EXTRAORDINARY chickens, to be pampered and admired.
If you are having a bad day, and need cheering up – this is the book for you.
April 10, 2023
I'll get back to write a bit of a review, but, in the meanwhile, here's a sample of the Chicken Art you will find in the book:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/pyropi/...
Wow. What a 'do!
Good book. 3.6 stars, rounded up. Pure impulse checkout from the library. Glad I did!
https://www.flickr.com/photos/pyropi/...
Wow. What a 'do!
Good book. 3.6 stars, rounded up. Pure impulse checkout from the library. Glad I did!
February 26, 2013
You won't find these chickens at Kentucky Fried, nor at Tyson Farms.
And you definitely won't find them on my smoker.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPM7jG...
These beautiful birds are members of fancy breeds.
They have been cleaned up to the point that they almost don't look like chickens.
Many are very unique.
Some look like they are ready for Hollywood.
And some may remind you of your husband's family members.
And you definitely won't find them on my smoker.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPM7jG...
These beautiful birds are members of fancy breeds.
They have been cleaned up to the point that they almost don't look like chickens.
Many are very unique.
Some look like they are ready for Hollywood.
And some may remind you of your husband's family members.
![Profile Image for Amanda [Novel Addiction].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1415744673i/4886503._UX200_CR0,36,200,200_.jpg)
July 7, 2015
There are some seriously weird looking chickens in the world...
November 27, 2018
I LOVED this book as a kid. Not just a beautiful collection of weird and wonderful chickens, but also a great resource on genetics and the creation of chicken breeds. Must read for any mildly curious about genetics.
February 22, 2018
I just love chickens - they are beautiful and fascinating creatures. This book showcases exotic chickens. These unusual birds are breed to develop certain characteristics. In addition to beautiful photographs there is interesting information about the different breeds. My favorites were the Friesian Lemon Penciled, Appenzeller Spitzhauben (golden soangled hen), and Sebrught silver hen. Most of the photographs were of the male of a breed. I often preferred the hens. Someday I'll own some chickens, perhaps not as exotic as some of these. I will try to get to a poultry show this year. This link brings you to a site that helps you sort through the multitude of shows run throughout the year. https://www.poultryshowcentral.com/Co...
January 3, 2021
A whole wonderful book of epic chickens. What more could a person need!?
December 24, 2012
It's probably fair to say there are a lot more types of chickens out there than you realize. I've been to county and state fairs, so I'd seen some of these, but there are so many more crazy varieties out there.
If you look at the "Legs, feet, and spurs" section on pages 64-65, you'll see the dinosaur connection. Also a Leghorn is a type of chicken (think Foghorn Leghorn).
I like the ones with patterned or frizzled feathers.
A fun book to flip through with more information about the breeds if you're interested.
If you look at the "Legs, feet, and spurs" section on pages 64-65, you'll see the dinosaur connection. Also a Leghorn is a type of chicken (think Foghorn Leghorn).
I like the ones with patterned or frizzled feathers.
A fun book to flip through with more information about the breeds if you're interested.
February 18, 2018
What a surprisingly beautiful and informative book about the fabulousness of chickens! I was pleasantly surprised by this one. I saw the cover and put it on hold at the library no knowing what to expect. It could have been a children’s book or a coffee table book but it turned out to be so much more. It’s such a wonderful photographic guide to fancy chickens! There are detailed pictures with captions and descriptions along with close ups of feathers and other details. I can’t wait to check out the other Extraordinary books!
December 22, 2009
The title is completely self-explanatory. If you like looking at lovely photographs of all the amazing varieties of chickens -- sleek orange ones! ones with feathery bell-bottoms! big fluffy white ones that look like Pomeranians! -- then you will obviously love this book. If you are not interested in fancy chickens, I cannot imagine why you would even pick this book up. I mean, it's right there on the cover.
December 21, 2019
As if the photographs weren't enough to satisfy a chicken lover like myself, but I loved that there was something to learn in this relatively short book as well. Perfect for your chicken reference library or your coffee table (a sneaky way to get guests hooked on chickens too!), I look forward to revisiting this book over and over if nothing else than just to enjoy how beautiful and goofy chickens can be.
October 6, 2010
You know when you have enough time before cinema and you go to a bookstore next door? When I saw this book I had that feeling when you want to squeeze these featherish creatures and elope with them to your home. And then say to people, yes, aha, this is a chicken, no, no, really it is.
March 17, 2020
I never thought there would be so many different types of chickens! Not to mention the weird looking ones! My favorite chicken is probably the silkie. 100% adorable.
Then there are some weird ones with their combs resembling brains more than anything else.
Then there are some weird ones with their combs resembling brains more than anything else.
September 2, 2008
I can't decide if I want normal chickens or foo foo chickens like the one pictured... Decisions, decisions...
October 17, 2008
pretty chickens.
November 22, 2008
If you love chickens, the intense pleasure of viewing this book may cause your head to explode.
December 26, 2008
Chickens are cool.
October 8, 2009
Very cool pictures chickens with outré feathers. One can barely believe the diversity. For artists, farmers, and style fops of every stripe. This book is for you.
March 6, 2010
Excellent pictures of exotic chickens. Contains brief history of chickens.
March 10, 2010
Superb photos, even if you aren't wild about chickens.
November 5, 2011
Purty birdies!
January 10, 2013
Great pictures and wonder write up on the origin of some really funky & beautiful birds.
March 18, 2013
Awesome photos. Amazing chickens. A+.
June 12, 2013
A tiny book, demonstrating that God's sense of humor and his artistry are sometimes indistinguishable.
Read
September 30, 2013This photographic journal depicts the amazing variety of exotic chickens.
January 27, 2016
This book changed my life. Yes, people, everything you've heard about Polish Fancies is true!
March 29, 2016
This is a very fun picture book. Chickens can be really cool looking. There is a sequel. Both books are full of great pictures of great looking chickens.
January 16, 2017
Beautiful fancy chicks and chickens. Any aficionado of chickens would LOVE this book.
Breeds and types are shown. Great photos! I'll be using it as a sketch reference.
Breeds and types are shown. Great photos! I'll be using it as a sketch reference.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews