STEEPLECHASING and FOXHUNTING. Edited by Michael Seth-Smith.

1977 New English Library edition. Folio (245 x 346mm). Pp128. Colour and b/w photographs and illustrations. Black boards, spine titled in gilt.

"In two centuries steeplechasing and foxhunting became part of the British sporting heritage - and that of many other countries. Steeplechasing began in the thrilling cross-country races held in Ireland in the mid-eighteenth century. In England it caught on slowly, until the first important race in 1830. Then the sport quickly became popular, and produced world-famous races such as the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Grand National. Foxhunting preceded steeplechasing and, in the early days, was considered the better sport. Noblemen had often hunted deer, but the extravagant and dashing young men of the Georgian era sought a more demanding and dangerous sport and started hunting the fox, which ran faster and longer in front of hounds. Foxhunting attracted, as it still does, colourful personalities such as Jack Mytton, who terrified guests by riding his tame bear in the drawing-room, and George Osbaldeston - the Squire of England - who, apart from being a great Master of Foxhounds, was cricketer, oarsman, a fine shot, and a champion of real tennis." Numerous illustrations, on a larger than usual scale.