THE SHOOTING FIELD WITH HOLLAND and HOLLAND. By Peter King. Revised and enlarged edition.

(1985) 2002 2nd edition reprint. 4to (200 x 294mm). Pp184. Colour and b/w photographs and illustrations, top- and fore-edges gilt. Brown boards, spine titled in gilt.

"The Shooting Field tells the story of the London gun trade from the earliest days, and particularly from 1835 through the eyes of the most famous maker, Holland and Holland, and of their customers, their rivals, and their craftsmen. We travel to India with The Prince of Wales and on safari in Africa with Teddy Roosevelt and learn of the development of the double barrelled rifle, the breech loading shotgun and the cartridge. This revised and enlarged edition provides a wealth of anecdotes and unique archive material with extensive photographs and illustrations throughout." A fascinating and highly readable book. Chapters include: Holland and Holland 1835-1905; The London and Birmingham gun trade; The field trials of 1883; Holland and Holland 1905-1959; Holland and Holland 1960-1990; At the factory; The proof house; The school; A diversion on clothing; Some Edwardians at sport - and royalty; The days of the Raj; Big game hunting; Punt guns; The anatomy of elegance. Appendices include: A curious use for punt guns; Gun numbers; Records relating to weapons made prior to 1893; Extracts from the notebook 'Experimental'; References.