The Pointer and His Predecessors: An Illustrated History of the Pointing Dog from the Earliest Times

Originally published in 1906, The Pointer and His Predecessors is a highly researched guide to anything and everything relating to the pointing hunting dog. These hunting dogs primarily fall under the setter and pointer breeds, and Arkwright has included everything that an owner would need to know. Anyone who has any interest in shooting and hunting culture will find this book of substantial use.

The Pointer and His Predecessors includes topics such as:
Characteristics of the Pointer
Breeding and Selection
Shooting Over Dogs
Breaking and Training
Kennel Management

Amidst the plethora of factual information are Arkwright’s own theories and anecdotes on the topic of pointing dogs. Arkwright discusses their origin as he pulls biblical quotes and examples to pinpoint where in history these hunting dogs were first spotted. He also recalls on his own experiences with the hounds to exemplify his passion for game dogs. The Pointer and His Predecessors is the top choice for anyone interested in hunting with dogs.

Skyhorse Publishing is proud to publish a broad range of books for hunters and firearms enthusiasts. We publish books about shotguns, rifles, handguns, target shooting, gun collecting, self-defense, archery, ammunition, knives, gunsmithing, gun repair, and wilderness survival. We publish books on deer hunting, big game hunting, small game hunting, wing shooting, turkey hunting, deer stands, duck blinds, bowhunting, wing shooting, hunting dogs, and more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to publishing books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked by other publishers and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.

William Arkwright was fascinated with pointer dogs. He spent years researching different breeds, training patterns, and detailed illustrations and maintained an avid hunting lifestyle with his wife, Agnes, for many years. He passed away at the age of sixty-seven in Devon, England, in February 1925.

Thomas McGuane is the author of ten novels, short fiction, and screenplays, as well as three collections of essays devoted to his life in the outdoors. He resides in Boca Grande, Florida.