Publisher's Synopsis
Xenophon Press' landmark edition of William Cavendish's magnum opus, The New Method of Dressing Horses (previously published under the title: A General System of Horsemanship) presents the modern reader with a uniquely accessible edition of this equestrian classic. Not only is the text updated to modern spellings, but the previously published archaic, hard-to-read fonts have been modernized for ease of reading. This is the only edition available both in-print and soon as an E-publication. The gift-quality collector's edition hardcover includes all of the magnificent original engraved illustrations and schooling pattern diagrams. All presented in a large 11" x 8.5" hardcover edition, the only edition in print today with horizontal layout to accommodate the beautiful engravings.
This classic work is a highly significant landmark in the development of equestrian technique and literature. The New Method of Dressing Horses a.k.a. 'General System of Horsemanship'' dates from Newcastle's exile in Europe with Charles II during the Cromwellian rebellion. First published in 1658 in a French translation, and illustrated with 42 superb engravings of horses, which also accompanied this English edition almost a century later. The book has long been cherished, both for content and beauty, and the illustrated editions have become virtually unobtainable in recent years. Though some of Newcastle's methods may seem archaic today, his emphasis on systematic and humane training was revolutionary for its era and his teaching generally has exerted a lasting and far-reaching influence on the whole art of riding. He is credited by de la Gueriniere as describing the shoulder-in movement on the small circle in his "head-in volte." His writing style is not contemporary but it is still full of wit and wisdom and, thanks to our updated fonts and numerous well-researched footnotes and definitions, is easy to understand. There is nothing like this book in print in English today - the perfect gift for horse-lovers, art lovers or bibliophiles.
