INSTRUCTIONS TO YOUNG SPORTSMEN: IN ALL THAT RELATES TO GUNS AND SHOOTING. By Lt. Col. P. Hawker. Edited with an introduction by Eric Parker. With numerous plates. Reprinted from the 9th edition.

(1814) 1985 new edition. 8vo (142 x 222mm). Ppxxvi,340. B/w plates, text illustrations, pictorial end-papers. Grey boards, spine titled in gilt. Edition limited to 2000 numbered copies.

A modern reprint of the 1922 abridged edition, which was reprinted from the 9th edition, with a new introduction by Eric Parker". The original edition, which led to the publication of the following pages, was hastily written, at the particular request of some sporting friends of the Author, who had recourse to the press, in order to present each of them with a legible copy. A few supplementary impressions also were provided, for the amusement and instruction of the inexperienced sportsman, to whom, alone, he still presumes to offer so humble a production. To prevent enlarging this work to an expensive publication, all needless embellishments have been studiously avoided". That said, this book is comprehensive, very detailed, and quite long, and principally about wildfowling. A classic of its kind with much on dogs, guns, punt guns, and shooting from boats and various other vehicles.