THE EXPERIENCED HUNTSMAN. By Arthur Stringer. Edited by James Fairley.

(1714) 1977 new edition. 8vo (153 x 223mm). Ppviii,177. B/w photographs by Raymond Piper. Honey coloured boards, spine titled in gilt.

"Originally published in 1714, [this book] is the first reliable text on the wild mammals of the British Isles, and intriguing early record of the habits of foxes, badgers, hares, pine martens, otters and red and fallow deer, with full instructions on how to hunt them. The author, Arthur Stringer, huntsman on Viscount Conway's estates at Portmore on the shores of Lough Neagh in Co. Antrim, was an outstanding naturalist... Scorning hearsay, he wrote entirely from his notes, made over thrity years of experience, thus more than justifying his choice of title. The most extraordinary fact about [this book] is th fact that, until now, it has been pracitcally unknown, even though it is as significant - and as enjoyable - as such other early classics of natural history writing as ...The Natural History of Selborne". This edition is newly re-set, with illustrations by Raymond Piper and nature notes by James Fairley, who also contributes "a carefully researched account of Arthur Stringer's background"". Written in a racy and compelling style".