SPORTSMEN IN A LANDSCAPE

This survey of the work of the school of sporting artists prevalent in England just prior to the Industrial Revolution reaches beyond the bounds of special interest by way of being an engaging and often witty social comment as well. With his period the late 1700's and early 1800's and his interest avid, Mr. Noakes covers his field with a foxhound's thoroughness unearthing material to the delight of the readers who follow. Introductory chapters familiarize us with the names, trends and traditions that preceded and held sway throughout the pre-Victorian era, with its landed gentry and its sporting aristocrats Following chapter headings give a clue to the tone of the book- ""Looking at History through Sporting Pictures""; ""Through Stuart England with Francis Barlow""; ""The Significance of George Stubbs""; ""'Herring--and Racehorses!'""- etc. Within these there is the richness of picture analysis as it gives rise to anecdotes and in lengthened perspective- some of the deeper characteristics and motives of the sporting age.