FULTON, Robert. The Illustrated Book of Pigeons. With Standards For Judging. London, Paris, New York: Cassell Petter & Galpin [n.d., likely 1874-1881].
(285 x235 mm) pp. viii + 392 pages + 50 full page colour chromolitho plates of the various pigeon breeds. some light foxing. Half calf binding with scuffing to spine and edges. Marbled fore-edges. Some foxing throughout. Bright illustrations. Overall GOOD to VERY GOOD condition.
From the bookseller that brought you Gay Neck, the story of a hero pigeon in World War I, we proudly present the late 19th century standards for judging pigeons. Truly a monument and important touchstone for understanding these now under appreciated birds, this book puts the pigeon on the pedestal of birds. It supports “the cultivation and pursuit of ideal beauty in its highest form”. Beginning with “pigeon-fancy” — i.e. the promotion of pigeon breeding— in history and literature, Fulton moves on to describing various breeds of pigeons in depth, accompanied by “life-like coloured plates” from the paintings of J. W. Ludlow.
An absolute gem for the pigeon fancier among all of us.
MB401