AN ILLUSTRATED TREATISE ON THE ART OF SHOOTING, WITH EXTRACTS FROM THE BEST AUTHORITIES. By Charles Lancaster, Gun, Rifle and Pistol Manufacturer.

(1889) 1892 4th edition. 8vo (142 x 222mm). Ppiv,225,[226-265ads]. B/w illustrations, 2 b/w photographs, 1 coloured illustration, recommended reading list. Tan boards, decorated and titled in black, spine titled in black.

A perennially popular self-instructor which has run to many editions. Many good full-page illustrations demonstrating points discussed in the text. This fourth edition is similar to the more common later editions. However, some of the advice is different, the adverts are more firmly of the nineteenth century and there is a large section of interesting correspondence reprinted from the Field which was removed from later editions. Spectacle lenses are referred to as "glasses or pebbles". This book is "...still regarded ...as the finest work on the art of shooting. The author of the book was H.A.A.Thorn who purchased Charles Lancaster's business, including the right to his name, in 1878. Thorn was the first man to claim that he could see shot in the air." Fred Buller 1985. The adverts in the back of this edition contain a sketch of the careers of a number of gunmaking firms, including Charles Lancaster's. Lancaster distinguished himself in the early part of his career for his exceptionally fine gun barrels, which he supplied to other makers, contributing greatly to their own reputations.