Discover the living cast of the Sporting World and how their passions shape a vibrant Victorian pastime.
This nonfiction look examines the characters who pursue field sports, from hunting and racing to shooting and boxing. It blends social satire with practical insight, aiming to dispel myths about “sportsmen” and to show how their choices affect families, communities, and traditions. The book surveys different pursuits, the pride of breeders, the etiquette of competition, and the everyday realities behind the sport’s romance and controversy.
- Learn how various sportsmen view horses, dogs, and game, and how these views shape their actions
- Explore the social and moral questions surrounding different disciplines, from breeding to turf betting
- Meet profiles of a wide range of participants, from aristocrats to tradespeople, and understand their motives
- Understand why some perspectives clash and how fair-minded enthusiasts strive for mutual respect
Ideal for readers interested in historical views of sport, Victorian culture, and the people who made field sports a daily passion. This edition presents the material in a clear, accessible voice that invites reflection on the era’s sporting life.