An Academy for Grown Horsemen, Containing the Completest Instructions for Walking, Trotting, Cantering, Galloping, Stumbling, and Tumbling
London: Printed for W. Dickinson, S. Hooper, and Mess. Robinsons, 1787. First edition. Hardcover. Quarto (11 3/4 x 9 1/2"). vi, (iii) vi-xx, 38, 12 stipple engraved plates, incl. frontispiece. 19th Century half tan morocco over tan cloth with gilt lettering on spine, gilt ruling on cover and spine; raised bands. Frontispiece engraving. Dedication to Lord Viscount Townshend. "The editor has to lament that the first pages of our Author's work, are amongst those missing, but as the Author himself, in his Preface, seems to have arranged his string of instructions, the Editor thinks himself justified in placing those first that relate to the choice of a horse." (Editor). Followed by a Fragment of the Author's Preface and the editor's address to the reader.
Henry William Bunbury was considered to be a 'gentleman caricaturist.' His work "consisted of rather more genteel subjects, in order not to offend notable individuals with whom he was acquainted. This book, written under the pseudonym Geoffrey Gambado, 'Riding Master, Master of the Horse, and Grand Equerry to the Dodge of Venice', pokes fun at the antics of inept horsemen. It was particularly popular with the reading public and was reissued several times during Bunbury's lifetime." (Royal Collection Trust). Illustrated with twelve copper plate engraving, including a portrait of the author. The engravings were executed by W. Dickinson after H. W. Bunbury. Binding with light wear along edges and some scuffing of raised bands. Leaves with pages V and VI, and editor's note loose but present; some light chipping along edges of these leaves. Some light foxing in block, versos and edges of plates, in some cases lightly infringing on edges of motifs. Binding in overall good+, interior in good- to very good condition. Plates very good. g- to vg. Item #47339
Price: $300.00