THE SPORTSMAN'S CYCLOPEDIA; Being an Elucidation of the Science and Practice of The Field, the Turf, and the Sod; or, in other Words, the Scientific Operations of The Chase, the Course, and the Stream; and also of all those Diversions and Amusements which have uniformly marked the Character of the Inhabitants of these Islands; and which are so ardently cherished, and so extensively pursued, by the Present Generation, comprehending the Natural History of all those Animals which constitute the objects of Pursuit, accompanied with Illustrative Anecdotes.

JOHNSON, T. B.

Published by Sherwood, Gilbert, and Piper, Paternoster Row., London, 1831

About this Item

4to. 5.75 x 8.75 inches. [ii] + v + [ii] +vi + 940 pp. Majority of text in double columns. The Appendix on the Game Act of 1831 is inserted at the front of the text. Bound in original tree calf with decorative gilt borders; spine rebacked, preserving original, with new endpapers, in compartments decorated gilt with contrasting maroon morocco title label, gilt. Some wear to extremities, including lower edge, but otherwise a very good copy. Ownership stamp at foot of half title. Illustrated by portrait frontispiece and by 30 wood engraved and copper plates, including one folding hand coloured aquatint, and by a folding table. Well illustrated alphabetically arranged compilation on all aspects of field sports, including hunting and shooting,horse racing, cockfighting and angling. The author, Thomas Burgeland Johnson (c.1878-1840), writer on field sports, had already published books on shooting and hunting but this Cyclopedia was his most successful work. In it he displays typically robust opinions, describing poachers as 'those nocturnal depredators, by whom the game is so shamefully destroyed, in opposition to all law and in defiance of order.' A good example of the systematic works which reflected the increasing early nineteenth century obsession with all aspects of outdoor sporting activities. SPORTS/PASTIMES SPORTING SPORT- RURAL PURSUITS ENCYCLOPAEDIAS 19TH CENTURY ILLUSTRATED SPORTS/PASTIMES. Seller Inventory # 23846

Bibliographic Details

Title: THE SPORTSMAN'S CYCLOPEDIA; Being an ...

Publisher: Sherwood, Gilbert, and Piper, Paternoster Row., London

Publication Date: 1831