Helps and Hints how to Protect Life and Property, with Instructions in Rifle and Pistol Shooting, &c. By Lt. Col. Baron De Berenger. PRESENTATION COPY

Helps and Hints how to Protect Life and Property, with Instructions in Rifle and Pistol Shooting, &c. By Lt. Col. Baron De Berenger. The Embellishments by Mr. Bonner and others after designs by Messrs. G. and R. Cruikshank, Alken, Haghe, Fussell, and De Berenger. London: Published for the Proprietor, By T. Hurst, 65, St. Paul’s Church-Yard; and may be had at the Stadium, Chelsea. 1835. Paginates; vii, [1], 286, [2]; Complete. Wood-engraved title vignette after G. Cruikshank, 2 folding lithographic plates, 4 etched plates by George and 3 by Robert Cruikshank, one engraved plate by A. Adlard after the author, wood-engraved illustrations, 3 after G. Cruikshank. 10 plates plus woodcuts. The Cruickshank etchings and the folding lithographs un-foxed (unusual), with nice impressions. PRESENTATION COPY, title inscribed: "Harding Esq. with the compliments of the Author". Original publisher’s green cloth. Split to the front top hinge. Wear to spot on spine. Internally fine, with no stains or foxing to pages and plates. Endpapers unbroken. 19th C bookplate of Samuel Hoare, to upper pastedown. First edition. A marksman and inventor with an ‘inclination to self-publicity and aggrandizement’ (Credland), Charles Random de Berenger (1772–1845) in 1830 established ‘the Stadium’ or ‘British National Arena’ at Chelsea, where he encouraged ‘manly and defensive exercises, equestrian, chivalric and aquatic games, and skillful and amusing pastimes’, as detailed (or rather advertised) in the present volume. The volume measures 23 x 15 x 2.5 cm. Each leaf measures 220 x 140 mm. The volume measures 23 x 15 x 2.5 cm. Each leaf measures 220 x 140 mm.…