The Foure Chiefest Offices Belonging to Horsemanship: That is to Saie, the Office of the Breeder, of the Rider, of the Keeper, and of the Ferrer Thomas Blundeville

Thomas Blundeville's The Foure Chiefest Offices Belonging to Horsemanship (London: Peter Short, 1597) marks the first comprehensive English-language system on equine breeding, care, and veterinary treatment designed for the gentleman class of Elizabethan England. This example contains the final two parts only: The Dieting of Horses ([2], 22, lacking first two leaves) and The Order of Curing Horses Diseases ([9], 82, with title page, lacking last four leaves). The text, printed in blackletter, established standardized terminology for feeding, disease classification, and farriery during a period when horses were central to war, travel, and ceremonial display. Its London printer, Peter Short, produced numerous scientific works for early English readers seeking practical instruction. Condition: Fair, pages worn and stained with edge losses not affecting text, corners rounded, two portions separately bound in hardcovers. Format: Duodecimo (12mo). Collation: as above. Illustrations: none. Edition: First Edition, 1597. References: USTC 513330. Item Number (SKU): #29481. PHOTOS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.