{"product_id":"the-chase-a-poem-william-somervile-2nd-edition","title":"The Chase; A Poem, William Somervile — 2nd Edition","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"2\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"2\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003ePublication\u003c\/b\u003e: London, Printed by W. Bulmer and Co. at the Shakspeare Printing Office, 1802\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"3\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eFormatting\u003c\/b\u003e: 8vo, pp. xxiv, 105, [1].\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eCondition Report\u003c\/b\u003e: Very Good. The binding remains tight and structurally sound, with secure joints and firm hinges. The half red calf leather exhibits minor shelf wear and light rubbing, predominantly to the extremities, raised bands, and corners, though the thematic gilt tooling to the spine remains notably bright and unoxidised. The cloth-covered boards are well-preserved with only faint signs of handling. The top edge gilt retains its lustre, while the remaining untrimmed edges show natural age-toning. Internally, the text block is pleasingly crisp; there is some scattered spotting and browning, most evident on the title page and preliminary leaves, but the internal pages are otherwise clean and free from intrusive marks or tears.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"5\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"5\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eCatalogue Note\u003c\/b\u003e: This is the second Bulmer edition of Somervile’s celebrated sporting poem, following the quarto first edition of 1796.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"5\"\u003eThe work is notably enhanced by a title-page vignette and twelve superb woodcut engravings executed by Thomas Bewick, based on original designs by his younger brother, John Bewick. This edition stands as a handsome example of the fine typography produced at William Bulmer’s highly regarded Shakspeare Printing Office.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003eThe volume is bound in an attractive later half red calf over cloth boards, featuring a thematic, gilt-tooled spine adorned with a falcon and a hunting horn enclosing a hound's head.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003eCopies of this 1802 octavo edition, particularly those in appealing fine bindings with sporting motifs, have become increasingly scarce on the open market and remain highly desirable among collectors of both Bewick's engravings and antiquarian sporting literature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7\"\u003eFirst published in 1735, \u003ci data-path-to-node=\"7\" data-index-in-node=\"32\"\u003eThe Chase\u003c\/i\u003e is an enduring masterpiece of 18th-century sporting literature. Written in Miltonic blank verse by the Warwickshire country gentleman William Somervile, the poem vividly captures the thrill, tradition, and camaraderie of the hunt. Drawing on the author’s own extensive experience, the work explores the breeding and training of hounds, the nuances of various hunting disciplines, and the breathtaking excitement of the chase itself. It remains a foundational text for enthusiasts of rural field sports and classic British poetry alike.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Broadhursts Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55346424086867,"sku":"6091","price":225.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/1469\/6787\/files\/20261009_121128_a9269833-3141-43f7-8f93-c49ce2f75784.jpg?v=1791886032","url":"https:\/\/broadhurstsbooks.com\/products\/the-chase-a-poem-william-somervile-2nd-edition","provider":"Broadhursts Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}