Wild Scenes and Wild Hunters of the World
Philadelphia: J.W. Bradley, 1852.
Webber, C. W. Wild Scenes and Wild Hunters of the World.
Philadelphia: J. W. Bradley, 1852.
Physical Details:
Dimensions: 9" x 6"
Binding: Publisher's red cloth featuring a highly ornate gilt pictorial spine with intricate depictions of global wildlife, complemented by a delicate gilt central vignette on the front board.
Condition: The binding remains sound with rubbing to the extremities. Internally, this copy is exceptionally well-preserved; the pages remain remarkably bright with minimal foxing, an uncommon and desirable state for adventure narratives of this era.
Content & Historical Highlights:
This 1852 edition is a cornerstone work by C.W. Webber, celebrated for his authentic and thrilling contributions to mid-19th-century frontier literature and natural history. This volume offers a highly collectible blend of global exploration and American lore that appeals strongly to sporting and natural history collectors.
The Audubon Connection: The volume opens with a prominent tribute and portrait of the legendary naturalist John James Audubon, establishing the book's strong foundation in serious natural history observation alongside its adventure narratives.
American Frontier Lore: Webber captures the essence of early American exploration with atmospheric accounts of frontiersmen. A major highlight is his dedication to legendary figures and regional folklore, such as the compelling chapter on "Old Bill Smith, the Silent Hunter," set against the dramatic backdrop of the "dark and bloody ground."
Global Sporting Expeditions: Moving beyond the American West, the text transports readers to exotic locales, including sweeping accounts of African safaris. Webber details the pursuit of dynamic wildlife—such as zebras, wildebeests, and ostriches—offering a comprehensive look at the 19th-century global sporting experience.
Rich Period Illustration: The text is elevated by dramatic woodcut engravings and vibrant color lithography that perfectly complement Webber's thrilling prose, bringing these historical hunting scenes and wild landscapes vividly to life for the reader.
. VG. Item #1078
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I. Bird, Beast, and Hunter.................................................. PAGE. 17
CHAPTER II. The Boy Hunter...................................................................... 34
CHAPTER III. The Naturalist Developing...................................................... 54
CHAPTER IV. The Night Hunt in Recess...................................................... 75
CHAPTER V. Audubon—the Hunter-Naturalist—Audubon and Wilson....... 87
CHAPTER VI. Audubon and Boone............................................................ 123
CHAPTER VII. The Grave of the Silent Hunter........................................... 191
CHAPTER VIII. Old Bill Smith—the Silent Hunter....................................... 211
CHAPTER IX. The Hunters of Kentucky—James Harrod of Harrodsburg..... 231
CHAPTER X. The Fox and Fox Hunting in America..................................... 248
CHAPTER XI. The Texan Huntress.......................................................... 274
CHAPTER XII. Metaphysics of Bear Hunting.............................................. 343
CHAPTER XIII. Hunting Peccaries in Texas—a Bear-Hunt without the Metaphysics.............................................................................................. 381
CHAPTER XIV. The Buffalo.................................................................. PAGE. 394
CHAPTER XV. Panthers, and our other Felines............................................ 403
CHAPTER XVI. Captain Dan Henrie; his Adventure with Wolves................ 425
CHAPTER XVII. The Darkie Fiddler and the Wolves....................................... 446
CHAPTER XVIII. Skater Chased by Wolves................................................... 454
CHAPTER XIX. The Mustang, or Wild Horse............................................... 460
CHAPTER XX. A Bird's-eye View of the Spectater....................................... 472
CHAPTER XXI. Trolling in June.................................................................. 482
CHAPTER XXII. A Night-hunt up the Cungamunck........................................ 492
CHAPTER XXIII. Trouting on Jessup's River.................................................. 503
CHAPTER XXIV. Anecdotes of Moose and Deer Hunting among the Northern Lakes. 515
CHAPTER XXV. Hunting Elephants in South Africa......................................... 536
CHAPTER XXVI. The Giraffe....................................................................... 561
CHAPTER XXVII. South African Lions........................................................... 572
CHAPTER XXVIII. The Rhinoceros and Hippopotamus..................................... 594
CHAPTER XXIX. Buffalo and Antelopes of South Africa.................................. 604
Price: $800.00
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