Publisher's Synopsis
For devoted foxhunters, and many more who love British sporting art and literature, one of the worst effects of a hunting ban is the cultural damage which it would wreak. Recorded by cave men, and extolled by Greek philosophers, the Chase in all its forms has never lacked painters and writers to record its pleasures. Michael Clayton, former Editor of Horse and Hound, widely read hunting correspondent and author, has selected the most memorable literature and the most outstanding pictures and images to celebrate foxhunting's contribution to the quality of life in the British countryside. When foxhunting became Britain's premier hound sport in the late 18th century it stimulated a new abundance of prose, poetry, oils and water-colours seeking to capture the unique pleasures of hunting in the beautiful winter landscapes of the British Isles. The satirical humour of Surtees, creator of John Jorrocks, the riveting accounts of epic hunts by the great hunting correspondent Nimrod (Charles James Apperley) have been cherished by generations, and followed by a host of sporting writers and artists. Michael Clayton has edited The Glorious Chase as a tribute to all who conserved a great national sport, and to those who fight for its survival.
