THE HUNTER AND THE HUNTED: A COUNTRYMAN'S VIEW OF BLOOD SPORTS. By Robin Page.

1977 1st edition. 8vo (137 x 220mm). Pp243. B/w photograph plates, bibliography. Red boards, spine titled in gilt.

The author's contribution to the 1970's debate on bloodsports. "In this unique book [the author] as a countryman, tries to get at the truth by looking at the various methods and customs of hunting, shooting and fishing. Deeply concerned with the welfare of wildlife he learnt to ride in order to see and experience fox hunting at first hand. Likewise, he observed each sport at close quarters. His findings help to throw new light on a subject usually distorted by prejudice, and his conclusions replace emotion with cool commonsense." An interesting read, not given to the cliches usual in either pro- or anti-hunting publications. in which he "tries to get at the truth by looking at the various methods and customs of hunting, shooting and fishing. Chapters include: Wild and free; To hunt a fox; The harried hare; A glimpse of deer; Fallow deer in forest and woodland; Stags, moors and mountains; The empty holt; The return of the rabbit; Pheasants and foul play; Water and wildfowl; To drown a worm; To float a fly; To catch a shark; Falcons and fighting cocks; Ethics and indignation.