The fairest fowl - Tamara Staples|Ira Glass|Christa Velbel

In irresistibly strange, undeniably beautiful portraits, photographer Tamara Staples celebrates the finely-feathered champions of the American poultry show circuit, the beauty pageant of the barnyard. Location and detail photography, quotes from poultry farmers, insights into the judging process, and an essay by Ira Glass of public radio's "This American Life" complement these high fashion photographs to provide a full appreciation for this most noble of birds. An introduction includes quotes by breeders, followed by an explanation of the poultry world's bible, The Standard of Perfection, including excerpted text and visual aids on judging, breeding, and characteristics from the feathers to wattles of the perfect fowl. 35 posed, full page portraits of exceptional chickens are accompanied by basic information on the breed. Black-and-white candid shots and an interview with Tamara Staples by NPR's Ira Glass provides an intimate look at the people behind these prize-winning chickens.