When There Were Birds: the forgotten history of our connections

by Roy and Lesley Adkins

For thousands of years, birds large and small have interacted with humans in a variety of ways. Whether as a source of food, persecuted as pests, valued as companions or a source of solace on the battlefield, birds and humans have long co-existed.

In this wide ranging history, authors Roy and Lesley Adkins explore the many ways in which birds and humans have shared their lives. Of particular interest to family historians are the many myths and legends that our ancestors would have known, including fascinating and quirky beliefs that birds could predict the weather, foretell a marriage and even predict the outcome of battles. Our forebears lived more rural lives than most of us do now and, as such, would have been much more aware of the habits, characteristics and year-round patterns of birds.

There are 15 different chapters, including food, vermin, shooting, myths & magic, and at work, which between them cover a myriad of topics and preserve precious stories that have persisted down the generations.

• Published by Little Brown (hardback & ebook) £25. ISBN: 9781408713570. RB