A History of the English Turf with Illustrations [Complete Set, Three Volumes in Six] by COOK, Theodore Andrea - [1901]

London: H. Virtue and Company, [1901]. First edition. Decorated Cloth. Good/VG. In six volumes. A very well researched portrait of English horse racing from its origins through to the end of the Victorian period and the start of the last century with details of great Derbys and other classics, coups, gambling and gamblers, trainers, jockeys, yards and studs. Lrge 4tos. All edges gilt. 36 photogravure plates, most tissue guarded, numerous text illus including b&w photographic reproductions. Original publisher's decorated green cloth with gilt titles to boards and spines. Hd and tails of spines rubbed, some rubbing around board edges, odd mark to boards, some gatherings a little loose. Vol I, div i. VG. Vol I, div ii, a few plates loose at start, some occasional spotting and minor dampstains to prelims and initial plates. Vol II, div i, VG. Vol II, div ii, VG. Vol III, div i, front plate loose, else VG. Vol III, div ii, hinges weak, initial gatherings loosening, spine torn, missing a couple of inches backstrip. G