Book Review: Stag Spooner: Wild Man from the Bush, by Chris Maclean

This book is in bookstores now, and is a finalist in the Illustrated Non-fiction section of the New Zealand Post Book Awards.

So this is definitely not my usual read, but when you’re given the chance to read about a not-so-well-known but poignant person in your country’s history, you take it!

Stag Spooner – Wild Man from the Bush is a treasure of a book. Not only does it beautifully display the artwork of Stag Spooner, but it lovingly tells his tale.

I have spent hours pouring over the art in this book, and each time I take another look, I see something I hadn’t noticed before. The ‘tattooed envelopes’ are my absolute favourite thing art-wise in this book, they are definitely the highlight for me.

But Stag Spooner – Wild Man from the Bush is so much more than just the art. This book will not only keep lovers of art happy, but the family stories detailing deer hunting, everyday life of the hard working man, going bush and more, will keep the blokey reader happy also.

Definitely one of the best non-fiction reads I’ve had in a long while, Stag Spooner – Wild Man in the Bush deserves to be on your bookshelf.

A book for everyone, 5 Stars

Reviewed by Cath Cowley, on her blog My Books Chatter

Stag Spooner – Wild Man from the Bush
by Chris Maclean
Published by Craig Potton Press
ISBN 9781877517686