THE SPORTING REVIEW (1861–1864) – 6 Volume Run in Decorative Gilt Bindings

Publisher: Rogerson & Tuxford, 246 Strand, London

Publication Dates: 1861–1864

Format: 6 Volumes (Half-Yearly runs: July 1861 through June 1864)

A handsome six-volume run of The Sporting Review (United with The Sportsman, New Sporting & Sporting Magazines), representing a continuous three-year span of one of the 19th century’s premier British sporting periodicals. Notably published "By Command" and "Under the Especial Patronage of H.R.H. The Prince Consort," this publication serves as a comprehensive chronicle of traditional English country pursuits, including equestrianism, fox hunting, shooting, coursing, and angling.

The set is beautifully presented in uniform, mid-19th-century bindings featuring rich red spines and boards. The spines are divided by raised bands and are highly decorative, boasting elaborate, bright gilt-stamped sporting vignettes in the compartments. These finely tooled motifs include a fox head, a racehorse and jockey, a hunting cap and riding crop, and a fish, making for an exceptionally striking shelf presence.

Profusely illustrated throughout with high-quality steel-engraved plates and charming title-page vignettes. Highlights include finely detailed animal and sporting scenes by notable artists of the era, such as "The Pyramid," an excellent engraving by E. Hacker after a painting by Abraham Cooper, R.A., depicting an Arabian stallion in a desert landscape.

Overall, a highly attractive set. The gilt tooling remains bright and sharp. Internally, the text blocks are sound. As is typical with English engravings of this period, there is scattered foxing present, primarily affecting the preliminary leaves, title pages, and the engraved plates.
Binding and hinges are all excellent, books measure 9"x6".

Volumes Included:

July – December 1861

January – June 1862

July – December 1862

January – June 1863

July – December 1863

January – June 1864