First edition of an important and richly illustrated work on racehorses by Thomas Henry Taunton. It describes and depicts numerous racehorses from the 18th and 19th century, mentioning horse's breed, measurements, characteristics, owners, parentage and/or offspring, performances and races (often mentioning the competing racehorses as well). The majority of the horses included are accompanied by at least one plate, occasionally together with an illustration of its rider or of an important race. "At the arrangement of the work strict chronological order has been observed, whereby the comparative merits of the various competing horses can be accurately gauged and estimated at their proper standard" (introduction).
Volume 3 lacking 1 plate ("Voltaire"). Browned, some leaves slightly torn in the margins, some of the tissue leaves protecting the plates torn or lacking. The Keenland Association library, p. 145; Podeschi 235 & 238; not in Dejager; Huth; Mennessier de la Lance.