The Magnificent Chicken: Portraits of the Fairest Fowl Hardcover – February 19, 2013

As a backyard chicken keeper, urban homesteader, and chicken blogger, I thought this book would make a lovely addition to my coffee table collection, as well as a great conversation starter about various chicken breeds. While the book is filled with some truly lovely pictures of unique fowl, it mainly covers bantam breeds, and a few basics like the Barred Plymouth Rock and Cornish meat varieties. A majority of the book is black and white, often blurry photos of poultry shows, random people holding chickens at said shows, and information about championship breeding programs. While I did enjoy reading some of the dialog, laughing at the truth of chicken photography, and seeing some spectacular new breeds, I was disappointed in the rest of the book's lackluster layout and banter about standards. Perhaps capturing the beauty of chickens through the eyes of poultry show contestants is what the author was aiming for, but I was sincerely hoping for more of an encyclopedia of beautiful chicken pictures, and not the caged show lifestyle in black and white. At present the book remains on my coffee table, but I'll be looking for another to replace it soon.

This book was a gift to a friend of mine who enjoys books and raises chickens. She found the book to be captivating and enjoyable. She keeps her book handy to show to show family and friends. Great color and text

Oh my yes - this was a beautiful book. I am so intrigued with chickens and the more I see of them, the more I realize how unique and beautiful they are. I have spent countless hours trying to photograph chickens. They are virtually impossible to shoot. They don't hold a pose for very long, and when you get a good shot, it is because you've missed 100.This is a gorgeous representation of these beautiful birds. I look at it often.

What can I say, I love my chickens and have about 22 different breeds. I love the variety of them and this book illustrates the diversity of this species with wonderful art quality pics. It is definitely a table top book.

Here is the next art book for your waiting room and home. Buy a few extras, it will be stolen because you can't put it down! I like this better than Extraordinary Chickens. The pictures are set so well, even if you don't own chickens you will appreciate the characters and colors. I keep one on kindle just for wait in lobby times,,,,and usually draw a crowd, especially children.

This will be a disappointment to those who like myself expected that this book would be a new book. In fact is is a very mildly different version of her book published in 2001 called "The Fairest Fowl". If you have that one then you really don't need this book. According to the dust cover there are "more then a dozen new birds" which means that the previous 40 are here too. There is not enough new here to warrant a different title. Instead of "The Magnificent Chicken" it should be "The Fairest Fowl,revised a little bit"

I love this book! I have given it as a gift to several people. If you love chickens (or even kinda like chickens), you're gonna love this book! The pictures are great, and the information re: origin & markings is tremendous!

I think it could have used more pictures of chickens. There are quite a few, but even more would have been better.

After seeing the review in the newspaper I could not wait to read this book and bought it in hardback but I was very disappointed, some nice pictures but no content.

For anybody who loves chickens, this book is a must. Congratulations to the team who put it together! Superb.

Gave it to friends who keep 6 chickens in France and they loved it being able to identify with some of theirs. Photography is superb quality.

Wonderful book! Arrived on time and in excellent condition

I just like chickens, I wish I could have chickens. The pictures are wonderful, I have this book out in my home and everyone is amazed at the variety of breeds. It gives a new perspective on an animal that has been with us hundreds(thousands?) of years and most only see in a package at the supermarket. Great coffee table book.