Peter Beckford. Thoughts on Hunting. G. Denholm Armour, illus.
London: Hodder & Stoughton, [1911]. Copy no. 280 of 350, deluxe limited edition, signed by the illustrator. 4to. xxiii, 1 – 155 pp. 25 tipped-in color plates (one plate lacking). Original full morocco with pictorial gilt; teg., others uncut. Very good condition overall.
This book is a handsome reissue of a sporting classic published in 1781. According to the introduction by E. D. Cuming, “What Iszak Walton is to angling, that Peter Beckford is to fox-hunting; each is the father of the literature of his sport…(Beckford) made a study of fox-hunting in its every aspect; and his Thoughts were penned only after many years of experience.” With evocative illustrations after the original watercolors by Armour, this is a very attractive volume in excellent condition.