The Hare, Rev. H. A. Macpherson et al. — 1st Edition
In stock
Shipping is calculated at checkout.
Publication: London, Longmans, Green, and Co., 1896
Formatting: 8vo, pp. viii, [ii], 263, 24 (publisher's advertisements).
Condition Report Very Good. The original pictorial oatmeal cloth binding remains notably bright and attractive, with the red and brown blocked illustration to the front board retaining strong colour and definition. There is some minor, expected shelf-wear to the extremities, including gentle bumping to the corners and slight softening to the spine ends, alongside a hint of general age-darkening to the spine panel, though the gilt lettering remains perfectly legible. Internally, the binding is tight and structurally secure with no leaning. The original dark brown endpapers are entirely intact. The untrimmed text block shows standard age-toning and mild dusting to the top edge, but the pages remain remarkably crisp and clean throughout, with only very occasional, negligible scattered spotting that does not detract from the text or the plates. A highly pleasing, solid example of a Victorian sporting classic.
Catalogue Note First Edition. Part of the highly successful Fur and Feather Series (which shortly thereafter expanded into the Fur, Feather and Fin Series to include angling), this comprehensive monograph features specialist contributions on the natural history, shooting, coursing, hunting, and cookery of the hare. Edited by Alfred E. T. Watson, the volume is richly illustrated throughout with a tissue-guarded frontispiece, title vignette, and seven full-page engraved plates by the noted sporting artists G. D. Giles, Archibald Thorburn, and C. Whymper.
This copy features a neat ink inscription to the half-title reading "Arthur Alexander from G.C.W., Xmas / 96", perfectly placing the book's gifting in its year of publication. While individual volumes from this series appear on the open market relatively frequently, locating a true first printing that retains such well-preserved pictorial boards without heavy soiling, structural wear, or modern repairs is increasingly uncommon.
A quintessential late-Victorian sporting guide, The Hare offers a definitive look at the animal’s historical role in British field sports. Blending detailed natural history observations with practical, hands-on chapters covering shooting, coursing, hound hunting, and specialised game cookery, this beautifully illustrated volume captures the true essence of 19th-century country pursuits. It remains an indispensable classic for collectors of field sports literature and antiquarian natural history alike.
Book Condition: Very Good
Book Authors: Rev. H. A. Macpherson, Hon. Gerald Lascelles, Charles Richardson, J. S. Gibbons, G. H. Longman, Col. Kenney Herbert
Book Publisher: Longmans, Green, and Co.
Book Language: English
Narrative Type: Non-Fiction
Genre: Sport & Games
Book edition: First Edition
Signed: No
Book Pages: 263
Book Publication Year: 1896
Book Publication Date:
Book Binding: Hardcover
Illustrator: G. D. Giles, A. Thorburn, C. Whymper
Book Series: Fur and Feather Series
Country/region of manufacture: London, United Kingdom
Book Dimensions:
Book Condition Guide
| Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| New | A brand-new, unread and professionally handled book. Carefully preserved from publication to purchase, these books are offered in the best attainable condition. This grade applies to recently published titles that have not entered long-term storage. |
| As New | The book is in pristine, original condition as if just published. No signs of use or handling. The dust jacket (if present) is equally flawless. This grade applies to any book that has remained untouched in storage for years. |
| Fine | The book is close to As New. It remains bright and attractive, but could show minor imperfections to the boards and/or dust jacket (if present). Its pages are typically clean and unmarked. |
| Near Fine | The book has a number of small flaws, i.e. slight rubbing to the edges, or tiny chips or creases to the dust jacket (if present). Its pages may have faint marks, or creases that are barely perceptible — nothing that detracts from their overall condition. |
| Very Good | The book maintains its structural integrity, and has no major flaws such as tears to its binding or pages. It may, however, show signs of careful use, handling, or storage — small marks and creases, light foxing. Its dust jacket (if present) remains fully intact, but small tears may be present. |
| Good | A book that remains intact and readable with complete text pages, but shows moderate signs of wear and use to both the book and dust jacket (if present). It may have noticeable creases, nicks, or stains, and the spine likely shows fading, bumping, and rubbing. There could be writing, underlining, and other marks on some pages, though the majority will be clean and tidy. |
| Fair | A book with significant wear or damage. The text pages will be complete, but there may be heavy underlining, highlighting and staining throughout, and the book’s endpapers, half-title, and copyright pages could be damaged or missing. The binding could be loose, and the dust jacket (if present) may have notable scuffs or tears. These copies are usually of interest for content, signature(s) or scarcity. |
| Poor | A heavily worn book whose value lies in its complete and legible text. A poor book will have substantial defects — loose joints or hinges, detached covers, loose and/or missing pages, and could be heavily soiled. A poor book is also known as a reading copy, and although compromised, can hold historical or bibliographic significance. |
Get in touch
You may also like
Join the Broadhurst Archive
Be the first to hear about rare new arrivals, signed editions, and literary events. A century of stories delivered straight to your inbox.