RED LETTER DAYS. By Molly Keane and Snaffles. With eight illustrations in colour and a new preface by Molly Keane.

(1933) 1987 new edition. Small 4to (197 x 253mm). Pp96. Colour and b/w illustrations by Snaffles. Red boards, gilt hunting paraphernalia motif to upper board, spine titled in gilt.

First published by Collins in 1933 with the text under the pseudonym 'M.J. Farrell' used at that time by Molly Keane. Red Letter Days "celebrates the joys of hunting, point-to-pointing, fishing and shooting in Ireland, with hunting playing the biggest part. Molly Keane has always lived in Ireland, and Snaffles often visited it. It is a country which adds more than the quality of its light and the colour of its mountains to whatever activity is followed under its skies, and Red Letter Days captures the character of its unique contribution to perfection. Snaffles, who died in 1967, still holds his place as one of 'the highest priests' among sporting artists. His paintings and prints are eagerly sought after. Vitality of drawing, charm of colour and amazing accuracy of observation each play its part in the lasting popularity of his work, but above all it pleases because it reveals so clearly that the artist loved to take part in the activities he recorded. Molly Keane... brought a similiar combination of artistry, enthusiasm and inside knowledge to Red Letter Days. It stands very high in the ranks of sporting literature."