Early 20th century quarter leather binding with five raised bands on spine and gilt titling. Top edge gilt.
xxiii + 507pp. Illustrated with plates and woodcuts (all present).
Seventh edition, corrected, enlarged and improved: with explanatory plates and wood cuts. The author mentions in the first chapter that the previous (6th) edition consisted of 1500 copies that were sold off, and that he was unexpectedly called on for a seventh.
Mild foxing to prelims. Internally clean. Rear blank leaf contains old handwritten note for the treatment of red mange on hunting dogs and references page 266 (see images). All plates and woodcuts present.
A comprehensive, historically significant guidebook originally published in 1814. It covers firearms technology, hunting strategies, shooting techniques, and game management in 19th-century England. Written by one of the most famous marksmen of the Regency and Victorian eras, the book served as the definitive manual on firearms and field sports for over half a century.
Contents include:
Firearms and maintenance: Hawker provides an exhaustive breakdown of firearms from his era, tracking the transition from flintlock to percussion (detonating) ignition systems. He details how to select, clean, and maintain barrels, stocks, and locks, and how to prevent rust.
Ammunition and Equipment: The book explains the proper use of gunpowder, shot sizes, wadding, and shot belts, offering specific recipes and measurements for loading muzzleloaders safely.
Shooting and Hunting Techniques: Hawker teaches basic marksmanship, including how to hold a gun, aim, and shoot accurately. It details strategies for tracking and hunting specific game animals, such as partridges, pheasants, woodcocks, and snipes.
Wildfowling (Waterfowl Hunting): Hawker is considered the "father of wildfowling". A large portion of the book focuses on coastal duck hunting, describing the use of heavy duck guns, punts (small boats), stanchion guns, and specialised cold-weather hunting gear. Etiquette Laws, and Game Preservation: The guide outlines the contemporary game laws of England and dictates proper conduct for a true "sportsman," emphasising ethics and the maintenance of hunting estates.
- Binding Condition: Very Good
- Overall Condition: Very Good
