TRAINING SPANIELS. By Joe Irving.

1980 1st edition. 8vo (142 x 220mm). Pp176. B/w photographs, illustrations. Brown boards, spine titled in gilt.

The author "describes in refreshingly clear style what you have to do to possess a first-class gundog". As much about training the trainer as the dog, an excellent, practical book which has gained a large following and run to many reprints in the last fifteen years. Chapters include: The very beginning; The puppy up to six months old; Real training begins; Around eight or nine months old; More is expected; The halfway stage of training; Launchers and advanced dummy work; Taking a line; the end of hand training; First season's experience; Advanced field technique; Field trials and field tests; Breeding; The next generation. Essential reading which should find a place on any rural bookshelf.