THE COMPLETE BOOK OF SIGHT HOUNDS, LONGDOGS and LURCHERS. By Brian Plummer.

1991 1st edition. Large 8vo (157 x 240mm). Ppviii,370. B/w photographs. Blue boards, spine titled in gilt.

This is Brian Plummer's famous and useful compendium of sight hound training and breeding, the emphasis as always being on the working dog. Chapters include: The sight hound breeds - the Afghan Hound, the Greyhound, the Whippet, the Scottish Deerhound, the Irish Wolfhound, the Saluki, the Borzoi; Rare breeds - the Pharaoh Hound, the Ibizan Hound, the Sloughi; Longdogs; Lurchers; Sight hounds, longdogs and lurchers - a summary; Choosing a puppy; Rearing a puppy; Rudimentary training; Breaking to livestock; Jumping; Quarry - the rabbit, the hare, the fox, deer; Lamping; Coursing; Ferreting; Exhibiting sight hounds; First aid. Lots of relevant history and literary background and lots of anecdotes from Plummer's own experience. Useful and readable.