The Compleat Horseman: or, The Perfect Farrier: In Tw0 Parts

London. M. Gillyflower, R. Bentley, H. Bonwick, et al. 1696, Bound in later, 3/4 undecorated burgundy morocco. Raised bands. Marbled endsheets. Bookplate of George A. Downing to front pastedown. Thick Folio. 325mm x 198mm. The First Edition in English. Illustrated by a copperplate engraved frontispiece and 6 additional folding copperplate engraved plates(this copy lacks the portrait of Solleysell). The Parfait Mareschal (Compleat Farrier) was first published in France in 1644.This First Edition in English, Translated by Sir William Hope, was adapted from the Eighth French Edition. After studying at Lyon, Solleysell, a celebrated "Master of Horse", moved to Paris, there to practice his trade in the most celebrated riding schools of the day. He accompanied the Comte d'Avaux to Germany on a diplomatic mission in 1645, where he absorbed the superlative German advances in Veterinary science and Equitation. Upon his return to France, Solleysell established his own riding Academy,assisted Bernardi (his pupil), in founding another as well as embarking into the King's Service. Solleysell was an artist of some merit and it is likely that he executed the engravings which illustrate this work. Mellon/Podeschi 41; Wing S-4457. Solleysell Portrait plate lacking. Short, older, archival butterfly tape and adhesive repair to Frontis. Reinforced chip to Title page which has been tipped-on to recto of Frontis. Binding cord visible at gutter between recto of Title and Dedicatory Pages (binding most firm).Plates are generally crisp, with usual sporadic light toning but no foxing worthy of mention. Specifically, plates present :Frontis - Marginal chipping at gutter. Sort tear at top edge.1 - Nonintrusive chipping to fore-edge.2. Chipped fore-edge, short tear to slightly trimmed top edge.3. Chipping to edge at gutter, short intrusive 2" tear at gutter.4. Tiny wear-through at crease.5. There are 2 copies of this plate. One is complete and well bound in which presents a small stain and nonintrusive marginal chipping. The other copy is half bound-in, with the remaining portion detached and laid-in.6.Two small holes (5mm)at center, short marginal tear at gutter. A Very Good copy.