MEMOIR OF THE REV. JOHN RUSSELL AND HIS OUT OF DOOR LIFE (HB)

MEMOIR OF THE REV. JOHN RUSSELL AND HIS OUT OF DOOR LIFE

By E.W.L. Davies

(hardback edition)

A VINTAGE DOG BOOKS BREED CLASSIC

Originally published in 1878 while the Rev. Russell was still alive, the book was then republished in 1883 with an extra chapter dealing with Russell’s death and funeral. Both editions are now extremely scarce and expensive. VINTAGE DOG BOOKS have republished the 1883 edition, using the original text and illustrations as part of their CLASSIC BREED BOOKS series.

The Rev. John Russell of Tordown in Devon is probably best known for his establishment of one of the world’s favourite dog breeds: The Jack Russell Terrier. This book is devoted to Russell’s life as one of the great foxhunting characters in English history, and his passionate involvement with horses, hounds and terriers in his beloved Devon countryside.

Although not a typical dog book this title will prove of great interest to anyone owning a Jack Russell Terrier, with its lively anecdotes of the history and origins of this game little dog. The author was a good friend of the Rev. Russell and before this book of memoirs was published he consulted his subject on the veracity of every line of its contents. John Russell’s life and his love of sport is detailed from his early days at Tiverton School where he kept his first pack of hounds. For the next 75 years his life revolved around the Church and his love of hunting the fox, stag and hare. Upon his death in 1883 Russell left a legacy to the world not only of a hunting legend, but also the Jack Russell breed of terrier now loved by so many.

This is a fascinating four hundred page read for any Jack Russell Terrier enthusiast or historian of the breed, and will also stand as an important record of the early days of hunting in the South West.