Rules on Shooting, or Useful Instructions on Shooting, Vol. I [all published].

First edition of this rare and attractively illustrated book; we trace just two copies among institutional libraries, British Library and Yale. Czech describes it as a "how-to guide for beginning sportsmen to arrange driven tiger shoots Instructions include the arrangement of the drive, shooting from a howdah and from machan [raised platforms], with additional information on securing trophies" (Czech). The author, Mahant Jairam Gir, was a prominent banker in Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, with investments there and in nearby Banaras (Varanasi). For some 60 years he bankrolled the Rajas of Kantit, traditional rulers of a princely estate in Mirzapur, and was involved in constant litigation with them. In the preface, he explains that his book is the product of a period of convalescence from illness. He remarks that "the English in India take to Tiger-hunting more generally than the Native Chiefs and Noblemen" and that "the District of Mirzapore, which abounds with hills and forests, affords an ample field for the exercise of this sport". Deer and bird hunting are covered briefly. The appealing illustrations, unsigned but clearly by an Indian hand, are very much in the tradition of Rajput miniature painting. Czech p. 86. Octavo, pp. [vi], 52. With 13 lithographic plates depicting hunting scenes, parallel text in Hindi and English. Contemporary dark reddish brown half roan, gilt-lettered spine, original printed wrappers bound in. Contemporary bookplate of Herbert and Ethel Reynolds; bookseller's ticket of sporting book specialist Chalmers-Hallam. Joints cracked but sound, a few marks to covers, back cover palely discoloured, internally clean: very good.…