THE WILD HOST: THE HISTORY AND MEANING OF THE HUNT. By Rupert Isaacson.

2001 1st edition. 4to (192 x 253mm). Pp296. Colour and b/w photographs, illustrations, bibliography. Green boards, spine titled in gilt.

"This book explores the reality of contemporary hunting through portraits of seven very different British packs and a survey of hunting practice in the USA, Europe and Australasia. It also draws on the author's personal experiences with very different hunting cultures - with the San (Bushmen) of the Kalahari and the Cree of northern Quebec, examining the ...connections between these authentic, ancient approaches to hunting and nature and our own highly formalised versions [of the practice]. The final chapters offer a balanced account of the politics and morality of hunting based on interviews with both its supporters and detractors. They also speculate on its future. In particular, the book stresses the emotional and symbolic dimension of hunting and its positive environmental role." Chapters include: The sacred chase; The sport of kings; The Meynellian Science; The golden age; The twentieth century; The modern hunt; North America today; Hunting around the world; Pro and anti - the morality and politics of hunting; Hunting and conservation; Why we need to hunt. "Aggressively readable and intensely personal. It is enjoyable, first-hand reportage, informative and slickly convincing." (New Statesman). "An exceptionally intelligent, honest, well-informed, balanced and thought provoking study." (The Mail on Sunday). "Some will read it to recall the addictive thrill of the chase: and for these, the photographs alone are worth the price of the book." (The Sunday Telegraph). "This must be one of the most beautifully illustrated books on hunting ever published. Isaacson is a superb writer." (Country Illustrated). "What makes this book special is the ambivalence of its author, his determination to understand both sides." (The Daily Telegraph).