Robert Smith Surtees — Mr. Romford&Apos;S Hounds

London, Bradbury, Agnew and Co, c1890. Cloth. A charming illustrated edition of Robert Smith Surtees' 'Mr. Romford's Hounds', in attractive decorative cloth binding. Robert Smith Surtees was an English editor, novelist and sporting writer best known for his contributions to the first English sporting periodical to devote itself to every type of sport, 'The Sporting Magazine&apos. Surtees launched his own sporting magazine entitled the 'New Sporting Magazine' in 1831, contributing the comic papers which appeared as 'Jorrocks' Jaunts and Jollities' in 1838. Jorrocks, the eponymous, vulgar and artful sporting cockney grocer was a great success with the public and is often considered as one of the great comic characters of English Literature, However, another work that appeared within Surtees magazine was 'Mr Sponge's Sporting Tour', often regarded as Surtees best work. 'Mr. Romford's Hounds' is considered as a sequel to this work and is a fine example of the humour of the Victorian upper-classes, dealing primarily with fox-hunting and other leisure activities. Collated, complete with twenty-four colour plates,by Surtees' long-term collaborator John Leech, as well as the English artist and illustrator Hablot Knight Browne (often referred to as 'Phiz'), who is well renowned for his notable illustrations in the works of Charles Dickens, Charles Lever, and Harrison Ainsworth. In cloth binding with gilt detailing. Externally smart, there are some markings to the boards. Internally, the pages are generally firmly bound, though there is some strain in certain areas, and are generally bright and clean throughout, though there are instances of spotting and creasing. Very Good Indeed . Ill.: John Leech; H. K. Brown. Very Good Indeed .