REBECCA THE LURCHER. By Andrew Simpson. 1989 Tideline Books edition.

(1973) 1989 new edition. 8vo (155 x 230mm). Pp157. B/w photographs by Fay Godwin, photograph end-papers. Brown boards, spine titled in gilt.

"A lurcher, says Andrew Simpson, should have the speed of a greyhound, the nose of a dog that is bred and trained to forage for his master and for himself and he is expected to do his job without begging a by-your-leave of anyone. He should be able to pounce on a pheasant, point at a partridge, pick up a rabbit or outrun a hare. Although built for speed he should not flinch at thorns or thickets or barbed wire, nor at a heavy plough underfoot, nor at the cold of long winter's days and nights spent in the open." "Mr. Simpson's book is a story of a year in the life of Rebecca, his own first dog, and comprises passages from his diaries of the time. A remarkable story, profoundly accomplished as a portrait of country life, and a glorious and hilarious portrait of a dog whose guile and speed and winning ways will not fail to win her and her master many thousands of admirers."