A History of Steeple-Chasing
London: John C. Nimmo, 1901. First Edition. Blew, William C.A. (William Charles Arlington Blew 1848-1904); Alken, Henry (1785-1851) A History of Steeple-Chasing; with 25 Illustrations Chiefly Drawn by Henry Alken; 12 of which are hand-coloured. London. John C. Nimmo. 1901. First Edition. [4] half title; [2]; full page frontice illustration. v-xii; pp. A.3-344. [4].
Green cloth boards with gold chase scene on front cover board. Gilt upper page edge and gilt design of rider on spine, along with title author and illustration description. Illustrations are vidi and bright in the style of Alken, one of the world's most collected and appreciated illustrators.
Explores the beginnings of steeple-chasing and how it grew into an informal and then competitive sport. Steeple-Chasing refers to a long distance horse ride, using church steeples are informal start and finish lines. Over the course of the race, riders would be expected to traverse rugged terrain, often managing obstacles along the way. The first recorded Steeple-Chase took place in 1792 in Leceistershire while the first English Nationals Steeple-Chase took place in 1830.
William Charles Arlington Blew (1848-1904) was a celebrated equestion author and barrister.
Henry Thomas Alken (1785-1851) was an English painter and engraver; caricaturist and illustrator, best known for his colourful and humorous depictions of sporting and coaching scenes. Alken’s most prolific period of work occurred between 1816-1831, although his artistic career began well before this. . Item #414
Price (USD): $180.00