Newcastle, William Cavendish, Duke of, and Gaspard de Saunier. First edition in English of the Duke of Newcastle's celebrated work on the training of horses

NEWCASTLE, WILLIAM CAVENDISH, DUKE OF, AND GASPARD DE SAUNIER 

A GENERAL SYSTEM OF HORSEMANSHIP IN ALL ITS BRANCHES: CONTAINING A FAITHFUL TRANSLATION OF THAT MOST NOBLE AND USEFUL WORK OF HIS GRACE, WILLIAM CAVENDISH, DUKE OF NEWCASTLE...LONDON: J. BRINDLEY, 1743

2 volumes, folio (17 1/2 x 11 1/2 in.; 445 x 292 mm). Mounted on guards throughout, half-title, double-page engraved additional title to vol. I, 62 plates (vol. I with 42 double-page plates by Peter de Jode and others after Abraham van Diepenbeeck, some plates in vol. II printed in sepia); one plate in vol. II trimmed and mounted onto a larger sheet at an early date. Early cat's paw calf, spine with raised bands in seven compartment, morocco lettering piece in second. 

First edition in English of the Duke of Newcastle's celebrated work on the training of horses, richly illustrated with copper plates by some of the finest engravers of the period, complete with the second volume based on a translation of de Saunier's La Parfaite Connoissance des Chevaux.

The Duke of Newcastle's equestrian skills were renowned, and his riding school at Antwerp attracted students from across Europe. Newcastle's work first appeared in French in 1658, lavishly illustrated with engravings after A. de Diepenbeke. The engravings in the present edition are printed from the same original copperplates, acquired by Brindley for his 1737 French edition. 

The plates in volume I include five equestrian portraits (4 of the Duke), five plates of various horses owned by the Duke, two charming scenes of mares and foals, two plates of bits, saddles and other equipment, 24 scenes showing horses being trained (most featuring the Duke, Captain Mazin and, occasionally, a groom named Palfrenier). The plates end with a multiple portrait of the Duke, his wife, his children and grandchildren. 

REFERENCE:

Brunet I:1700; Mellon, Books on the Horse and Horsemanship 49; Mennessier de la Lance II:250; Nissen, ZBI 849

PROVENANCE:

James St. Aubyn (armorial bookplate)