Bear Archery Traditional Bows: A Chronological History

This book is a great reference for collectors, users, and anyone wanting to know a little history of Bear bows. It is very well done and has plenty of illustrations. For anyone wanting to identify a bow, there are photos of each model and a thorough description. Associated charts of the bow models cover; production years, bow lengths, woods used, medallions, glass color, overlay colors, and serial numbers. The bow description also gives background information about the material used each model's construction, and changes made during the bow's production life. While there are several books about Fred Bear and Bear Archery, I believe this is the first to give the reader a complete chronological history of Bear bows. The book is more than just a listing of bow specifications though, there is plenty of background and historical information included. The author not only included photos of the various bow models, but vintage Bear Archery advertisements, and some photos from different collections. Included is a nice chapter about Al Reader, one of the best known Bear Archery collectors that passed away a few years ago. The book covers not only Bear hunting bows, but their longbows, target bows, general purpose and youth bows as well. I think this is a great book for anyone that collects Bear bows, or is a fan of Fred Bear and Bear Archery. I'm glad Mr. Coppen put it altogether and did such a great job.

Pros: 1. Lot of useful information on how to approximate when your Bear traditional bow was made. 2. Decent photos.Cons: 1. The book is loaded with editing mistakes.2. Most of this information used to be available for free online and the online photos were better and more abundant. But, unfortunately, the site has disappeared.Overall, this book is very beneficial to the person looking to buy or sell a traditional Bear bow. It will help you to know more about the bow in question.

I am a Traditional Bowhunter and vintage Archery collector. Like many other collectors I cherish vintage Bear Archery items especially recurve bows. So when I saw the new book - Bear Archery Traditional Bows: A Chronological History by Jorge L. Coppen - I did not hesitate to order a copy. I can say without any hesitation this book is everything I was hoping it to be. It is simple a MUST-HAVE-Book for any Archery bow collector. What Wade Phillips book did for identifying Vintage Archery Broadheads - Jorge L. Coppen's book has done for identifying Bear Archery Traditional Bows. I am amazed at the effort, research ability, and knowledge the author had in writing this book.When family and friends walk into my home and say - "Wow ! How many bows do you need? - I use to say - "Why do you know someone selling some? - Now I can say - "Well, according to the book Bear Archery Traditional Bows: A Chronological History by Jorge L. Coppen, I have these models and still need this many more!I salute you Mr. Coppen for a job well done!Douglas MackeMonroe, WA

This is hands down the difinitive reference book on collecting Bear Archery bows. I have both the hard copy and Kindle versions. With the digital version it makes it easy to post a screen shot of info to answer a question. The hard copy will be a "hand-me-down" for gererations.The 2nd edition hard copy is in the mail as of this posting. I'll get the 2nd edition digital when available.

Jorge nailed it hundred percent with this book. It's not only an interesting arm chair read but loaded with history on Bear Archery traditional bows that were made in Canada and in Grayling, Michigan.It's a must-have and must read for any Bear Archery enthusiast, collector, bowhunter, etc. This book is worth every penny and jampacked full of information and quality color pictures, charts of serial numbers and designs and changes that were made over many years of production.

You don't need to be a Bear archery bow collector to enjoy this book. Jorge Coppen did a great job of explaining both the history of the various bows and also providing some clear and concise guidance for aging them. Lots of photos too. Although I own quite a few vintage bear recurve bows, I don't consider myself a serious collector. This book has been both a fun read, as well as, given me a better appreciation of my bows

The book is in good shape and it is what I wanted.

This is a very complete reference to Bear bows. The information is not buried though. It was easy to find the details I was looking for.

My husband is a very happy chap

Toda la historia y la información q buscaba

Very informative book with photos of all bows written about. If you are interested in collecting Bear Bows from this era it is a must have.

Amazing book chronicling the history of Bear bows. Bought the eBook but probably even better as a hardcover.

Un compendium bien fait sur des arcs de légende. Illustrations tout en couleur, chaque modèle est bien détaillé. Aurait mérité un couverture rigide, ainsi qu'une meilleure qualité d'impression des photos.