MEMORIES OF FOURSCORE YEARS LESS TWO 1851 - 1929. By Abel Chapman, M.A. With a Memoir by George Bolam.

1930 1st edition. Large 8vo (155 x 228mm). Ppxxviii,257 + 3pp ads. Frontispiece portrait photograph, colour and b/w plates by W.H. Riddell, text illustrations by the author. Dark green cloth, spine titled in gilt, top edge gilt.

Chapman's memories of sport and natural history in four sections: Egypt, Spain, Africa and Northumberland. Hunter, traveller, artist, observer and protector of wildlife, Abel Chapman (1851-1929) initiated the Sabi Game-Reserve in South Africa (now the Kruger National Park), saved the Spanish ibex from extinction, discovered the main breeding place of flamingoes in Europe and elucidated the burrowing habits of grouse in snow. Houxty, his Northumbrian home for many years, became a natural sanctuary for all kinds of wild things, and a focal point for naturalists. Some of his best ornithological work was done in Northumberland and his first book, "Bird-Life of the Borders", has been described as a classic of observation and field-work.