[SPORTS] "A Gentleman of Philadelphia County" [Attrib: Kester, Jesse Y.]

The American Shooter's Manual; Comprising, such plain and simple rules, as are necessary to introduce the inexperienced into a full knowledge of all that relates to The Dog, and the correct use of The Gun; also a description of the Game of this Country, by a Gentleman of Philadelphia County

Philadelphia: Carey, Lea, & Carey, 1827. First Edition, Second Issue. Octavo. 18cm. Second issue of the text with "ribbon" spelled correctly on p.235. Bound in contemporary full brown calf with a black leather and gilt title label. [x-xii]; 240pp.; [1]; errata; [5] ads to rear. Some bumping to corners, a few old scrapes and scuffs to the leather and some wear to the title label not affecting legibility, strong hinges, a robust copy; internally clean with some light foxing and spotting throughout, heavier to the prelims, a little thumbing in places, and some wear to the fore-edges of the first three leaves resulting in some shallow irregularity along the margins, again not affecting the text, three full page engravings as called for, although the plate recorded as facing p.107 is in fact facing p.100. A very good, solid and presentable copy of a scarce book.

A significant work in the field of American shooting described by trade and bibliographic authorities as the first illustrated American sporting book, the second book in its field to be published in America, and the first such work to be written by an American. It is preceded by 1783's "The Sporting Companion" which happened to be written by a British military officer. A significant work on all aspects of game shooting, sniping etc. with the added appeal of 5 pages of illustrated advertisements from the sporting emporiums of early 19th century Philadelphia. [PHILLIPS 211] [GEE 43].

Price: $1,250.00

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