WILLIE IRVING: TERRIERMAN, HUNTSMAN and LAKELANDER. By Sean Frain.

2008 1st edition. 8vo (162 x 241mm). Pp224. B/w photographs. Grey boards, spine titled in dark red.

"Willie Irving was one of the founders of the Lakeland Terrier breed and a top breeder for half a century, Master of the Melbreak Foxhounds and a champion fell runner. Author Sean Frain has been given exclusive access to archive material by the Irving family and his book is full of hunting anecdotes and extraordinary feats of Willie Irving's hounds and terriers. This book is a delightful and thrilling journey through the life and times of a truly amazing country character." Chapters include:- Born into a tradition; The Melbreak Hunt country; Guide races and association football; Married life and new kennels; Turk of Melbreak; A portrait of Willie Irving; The Melbreak Terriers; The Quarrymen's Hunt; Summer occupations; Keen supporters; Routine at the kennels; A new whip; The myth of Turk; Fundraising and social events; Jobby's Hunt; The final season 1950/51; Working for the Hound Trailing Association; The end of an era. Appendices include:- Hunting songs; Oregill Copper Coin; Breeding of Willie Irving's terriers; Breeding of some Melbreak hounds; More information on terrier breeding.