Astleys Projects Management Horse Rendering (1 results)

Rare first edition of Philip Astley's (1742-1814) practical manual on equitation. Astley, the celebrated equestrian and founder of Astley's Amphitheatre, here distils more than 40 years of practical observation and professional experience into a systematic guide to horsemanship.Printed in London in 1804 the present work was conceived as an affordable and instructive handbook for practitioners. In his preface, Astley expresses a strong desire that a "cheap edition" might reach the rising generation, particularly farriers, grooms, coachmen, hunters, stable-boys, postilions, and horse-dealers, so that they might understand what he calls the true essence of managing that "noble and useful animal". The contents reflect this practical and instructional purpose throughout. Rather than offering abstract theory, the work systematically addresses every aspect of horsemanship essential to daily practice, from the methods by which a horse may be brought to obedience and the precautions necessary when purchasing an animal, to the proper use of the bridle, saddle, and stirrups. Astley treats the training of horses to leap and provides clear observations on the natural paces, walk, trot, and gallop, while also giving detailed instruction on ensuring steadiness and composure in harness. Considerable attention is devoted to stable management, including feeding, watering, grooming, and the care of horses both at rest and during travel. He further broadens into veterinary concerns, presenting a practical dialogue on equine illness and a survey of the principal diseases to which horses are subject, together with their recommended treatment.Astley had already secured fame as the founder of Astley's Amphitheatre in London. Beginning in 1768 with open-air equestrian displays near Westminster Bridge, he gradually developed an integrated entertainment format that combined trick riding with acrobatics, music, clowning, and other physical feats. Although he himself never used the term "circus," his format would later be recognised as the foundation of the modern circus.Bookplate on the front pastedown reading "Ex Libris Luyken Landfort," and a purple library stamp on the title page, "Haus Landfort", referring to the Luyken family, who resided at Huis Landfort from 1823 to 1970, a historic country estate and former havezate in Megchelen, in the Dutch province of Gelderland. Ownership annotation on the verso of the folding engraving reading "Chr: Fridr: Kahle." Christian Friedrich Kahle (1764-1829), who was married to Gerdrutha Luyken (1769-1848), thereby indicating that the volume belonged to the couple. The spine is somewhat rubbed, some browning and staining throughout, pp. 51-52 folded in half, but complete. Otherwise in good condition.l COPAC (4 copies); WorldCat 606188401; cf. on Astley: Saxon, "The Circus as Theatre: Astley's and Its Actors in the Age of Romanticism." Educational Theatre Journal 27.3 (1975), pp. 299-312. Contemporary half beige paper and blueish-grey paper sides over stiff paper boards. With 1 folding engraved frontispiece. Pages: XV, [1], 72 pp.