"The Gentleman's Recreation in Two Parts" by Richard Blome (d. 1705) was published in 1686 and printed by R. Rotcroft in London. This is one of the most impressive 17th century publications and provides a fascinating insights into the era as well as featuring numerous full page illustrations. There is a full page dedication "To the most August James the Second, By the Grace of GOD KING of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, &c.", and several pages featuring the coat of arms of the works benefactors follow. The first section contains an "Encyclopedy of the Arts and Sciences" and covers a wide variety of subjects from mathematics and theology to military sciences and fortifications as well as the arts. The second section "Treats of Horsemanship, Hawking, Hunting, Fowling, Fishing, and Agriculture." For outdoorsmen, this second section is particularly fascinating as it details various methods used in the pursuit of a variety of game in the 17th century in great detail. The leather-bound book measures 16 3/4 inches tall by 10 5/8 inches wide and 2 1/8 inches thick. Provenance: The Norman R. Blank Collection

Very fine. The book remains in exceptional condition considering its age and has mild wear on the cover, light foxing, some additional stains, crisp illustrations and text throughout, and fairly minor overall wear.