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Here is a selection of some of the most collectible and rare books about hunting found at AbeBooks.  | 
AbeBooks'sellers who specialize in rare & collectible hunting books | |
As a letter by Austen-Leigh attached to the first blank leaf of this volume indicates, there were only one-hundred copies of this book printed. Austen-Leigh was the nephew of novelist Jane Austen, and in 1870 published 'A Memoir of Jane Austen by her Nephew'. The title offered here contains his recollections of the hunting expeditions on the estate of William Chute, which was simply called The Vine. Chute was a prominent figure in Hampshire society in Jane Austen's day and served as M.P. for England in the Tory interest. This volume is bound in contemporary armorial calf with gilt tooling on covers and spine and the gilt stamp coat-of-arms of "Iacobys Elwin Millard". There are two letters addressed to Millard and signed by the author. $900.00
Rowland Ward first began publishing his series of big game record books in 1892, which for many decades were considered the standard by which all African trophy records were ranked. All of the first ten such books issued through 1935 were 8vo with cloth bindings and zebra skin patterned endpapers. After WW II, in 1962, the publications continued, the most recent in 2003. The book shown here, and just acquired by us, has a variant binding of lion skin. To the best of our knowledge only a very small number (thought to be fewer than 25) were specially bound thus in the early 1960's, at a customer's request, for distribution to friends/clients. The skins were acquired through Zimmerman's in Nairobi, Kenya, through Zimmerman's, then the premier taxidermist in Africa for big game hunters. This item is especially unique in that it comes with a custom made Rowland Ward zippered carrying case which probably explains why the condition of the binding is today still Fine. This is the first copy we have seen in our business experience. $1500.00
The Wanderings Of An Elephant Hunter Bell's first book, detailing his early elephant hunting days in Karamojo and other adventures. Exciting and extremely well-written. Original light gray boards halfbound with mustard cloth and title label on front cover, frontis, lovely illustrations, P. 187. Clean and most desirable. $750.00
Five Years Of A Hunter's Life In The Far Interior 0f South Africa 1851 Third Edition - 2 Vol. This set has been newly rebound in deep brown cloth with black leather titles and gilt lettering. There are 17 engravings ane 1 map in the 2 volumes. This work is considered unconditionally to be among the finest early writings on South Africa, its wildlife and big game hunting. Overall, it is an unusually nice set at an attractive price. $485.00
The Bengal Sporting Magazine No 7 Volume 3 1835. 386 p.p. A series of bound magazines published in Calcutta, detailing the sporting life during the early days of the British Raj in India. Contains numerous articles by contributing correspondents on hunting, fishing, horse racing, cricket, etc., illustrated with black/white as well as color engravings. Bookplate identifies the former owner as “Mr. Robt. A. Trotter. 43rd Regt., N.I.” (Native Infantry) – at that time in the service of the East India Company. Provides a fascinating glimpse into the splendors of life in 19th century British India. $275.00
Big Game Rifles and Cartridges 1936, hardcover, 161 p.p., first edition. This work, by one of the foremost experts in sporting firearms and their uses., features in-depth analyses of rifles/cartridges for all types of big game in a variety of different terrains – open country, heavy timber, etc. Many of the wildcat calibers promoted by the author have subsequently been marketed by major firearms manufacturers, replacing less efficient cartridges. Keith is revered as one of the first individuals who combined practical knowledge of big game hunting with the ability to put his theories into print, and as such, his works are much sought after by both hunters and shooters. $140.00 |
1928-1936 First Editions Limited Issues. "Memoirs of a Fox-hunting Man", 260 numbered copies; "Memoirs of an Infantry Officer", 750 numbered copies; "Sherston s Progress", 300 numbered copies. All printed on hand made paper and each signed by the author. 3 volumes, 8vo. Original blue buckram, titles to spines gilt, top edges gilt others untrimmed. Some minor browning to the endpapers in the first and third volumes, spine of the second volume a little faded as usual but a really bright and attractive set. $5461.43
(Volume I) British Game Birds and Wildfowl; (Volume II) British Deer and Ground Game; (Volume III) The Big Game of Africa and Europe; (Volume IV)The Big Game of Asia and North America This opus was an encyclopedic treatment of all aspects of hunting in its day and was sold by subscription. The volumes were produced serially/annually between 1912 and 1915. Contributions by the big names of the time. The first two volumes were limited to 950 copies while the latter were limited to 600. This is a beautifully matched though mixed set. (eg. though all volumes are uniform in appearance and binding details, they are not uniformly numbered). Original wine/ brown pebbled morocco, stamped, lettered and bordered in gilt and in blind. $3500.00
Oriental Field Sports 1819 ~ With 40 fine large hand-colored engravings after S. Howett (from sketches by Williamson) by H. Merke, J. Hamble, and Viveres of hog hunting, tiger chases, bear and wolf hunting, etc. Elephant folio, very fine half crimson straight grained morocco, gilt lettered and decorated on spine. A superb copy. One of the most magnificent color plate books, with lavish and richly colored images of various sporting scenes. Schwerdt considered this "The most beautiful book on Indian sport in existence." $17500.00
African Game Trails: An Account of the African Wanderings of an American Hunter-Naturalist Essentially fine, this book is rarely if ever encountered in the original binding with the dustjackets. Rare signed and limited first edition and an absolutely elusive set of this very scarce issue. This book was the result of Roosevelt's ten month hunting trip through Central and Northern Africa, begun after leaving the White House in March 1909. $6250.00
Hunting the African Buffalo Limited numbered edition of 1000 copies signed by publisher and editor Jim Rikhoff. The most popular and scarce title published under African Hunting Heritage series. Large format, appx 8x10" beautifully bound in leather with lifelike illustrations by Guy Coheleach. This is #604/1000. An anthology of best of African Buffalo hunting by the great hunters. 600 pages, Very Good in the original slipcase. $595.00
Adventures of an Amateur Hunter in Africa Published in 1915 by The Chapple Publishing Company in Boston. This is a story of an African hunting adventure compiled in diary form. This is a very rare and scarce book. It is inscribed and signed on the front end paper. $400.00
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unting: The history of hunting goes hand-in-hand with the history of civilization. Hunting styles and methods may have changed throughout the centuries, but the colorful stories of adventure and sport have not. We’ve put together a collection of works – from great storytellers like Roosevelt to controversial characters like Siegfried Sassoon – depicting fascinating accounts of these adventures- and thrill-seekers.
