The Fairest Fowl

Portraits of Championship Chickens Photographs by Tamara Staples
Essay by Ira Glass

8 x 8-3/4 in; 108 pp ; 35 color portraits, 65 color and b/w images
Paperback
Published in April, 2001
ISBN 081183137X
ISBN13 9780811831376

$14.95

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The Fairest Fowl -- Chickens are bewitching birds: lush plumage, gleaming feathers, perfect thighs. But few meet the standard of perfection of the American poultry show, the beauty pageant of the barnyard and the true test of poultry pulchritude. In The Fairest Fowl, photographer Tamara Staples celebrates the champions of the chicken world at their best. Dozens of stunning portraits capture the quirky personality and undeniable grace of these noble birds as you've never seen them before. Location photography of the shows, details of the judging process, strategies from poultry farmers, and profiles of each prize breed set the scene and offer insight for the discerning chicken aficionado. And an appreciation of Staples' photography by public radio's Ira Glass of This American Life explores the finer points of chicken portraiture. Finally, chickens receive the respect they're due.

Tamara Staples was born and raised in the Carolinas, attended her first poultry show in 1988 with her uncle. After earning a degree in photography, she began to take portraits of the birds in earnest in 1998. Her work has appeared in Harper's Magazine, Utne Reader, The Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, and in numerous galleries. She lives in New York City.

Visit tamarastaples.com!

Ira Glass is the host of the award-winning public radio program This American Life. He lives in Chicago.

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