Game Shooting - David S D Jones

Game shooting for sporting purposes has taken place in England since the first half of the sixteenth century. David Jones has written a fascinating and comprehensive book covering the history of the sport from its inception to the present day. He examines changes in the typical shooting day, based on surviving diaries, newspaper articles and other historical documents. He charts the development of shooting in England, Wales and Scotland, across Europe and worldwide, including the planning and organisation required to support the growing popularity of the sport.

Game Shooting contains a large selection of historic illustrations, photographs, articles and documents, providing an accurate record and unique insight into the lives of those involved. A fascinating book suitable for anyone with an interest in the sport.
 

• A fascinating and comprehensive book on the history of shooting
• Aimed at gamekeepers, sportsmen, shooters and anyone with an interest in country life or countryside history
• Invaluable work of reference for the shooters, gamekeeper, the history student and social historian
• Includes snippets from diaries, game books and personal testimonies from sportsmen and gamekeepers
• Covers not only shooting in the UK and overseas, but also shoot organisation, lady shoots, shoot vehicles and sporting agents
• Beautifully illustrated throughout 

THE AUTHOR

David S D Jones has been an archivist and historian for the National Gamekeepers' Organisation for over a decade and has written extensively on the subject of gamekeeping and game shooting over the past thirty years, contributing numerous articles to all of the major British sporting titles. In addition, he owns the Gamekeeping Photographic Archive and the David S D Jones Photographic Collection. He is the author of the widely acclaimed books Sporting Estates of the Outer Hebrides – Past and Present; Sporting Lodges (978-1-84689-168-7) with J C Jeremy Hobson; and Gamekeeping: An Illustrated History. 

Reviews:
'David 'has long had the reputation of having the most extensive knowledge of the history of such sport' and 'there are very many illustrations in colour and black and white throughout and these are, on their own, well worth the cover price. This is a book not only for sportsmen as such but also for anyone interested in the countryside or wildlife as the history is a reflection of what is currently happening in the countryside today'. Ray Collier, Highland News Group

'Having come across David Jones's previous book, Gamekeeping: An Illustrated History, I was keen to read this one. I was certainly not disappointed. I'm sure that anyone with an interest in game shooting or history would be more than happy to find this in their stocking'. BASC Shooting and Conservation

'Comprehensive and deftly written Mr Jones' history looks at early muzzleloaders, walked up and driven shooting, the shooting day, gamebooks, etiquette, learning to shoot, gamekeeping, and shooting in Europe and the rest of the world. The Highlight of the book is the wonderful collection of early prints, drawings, etchings and photographs the author has managed to collect'. CLA Land and Business 

'Those heading out to shoot pheasants today are part of a long legacy. David Jones’ book explains just where they – and their sport – fit into the history of the countryside. It makes for a fascinating story.' Philip Bowern, Western Morning News

'The author, Shooting Times contributor David S.D. Jones, has drawn on a range of archive material - diaries, gamebooks and newspaper articles - and personal testimonies to highlight the changing face of the sport, both in the UK and abroad.' Kim Forrester, Shooting Times

'Game Shooting is a fascinating and comprehensive book on the history of shooting since the inception of the sport in the sixteenth century to the present day. Covering all aspects of the history of shooting, it not only contains a large selection of historic illustrations depicting shooting in all its forms but also draws on diaries, game books and personal testimonies from sportsmen and gamekeepers collected by the author.' Staffordshire Life

'This book tracks the history of the sport from the 16th century using a selection of gamebooks, diaries, illustrations and personal testimonies.' Sporting Gun

'Using snippets from diaries, game books and personal testimonies from sportsmen and gamekeepers, sporting historian David S. D. Jones provides an accurate and absorbing overview of game shooting both in the UK and overseas, since its inception in the 16th century to the present day.' Fieldsports

'The entire shooting life is covered here. Well-sourced images enliven the content, with old and new photographs, illustrations, excerpts and game cards. Those who take to the field ought to have more than a vague idea about the history of their sport before they stand with gun in hand. And a copy of Jones's book is a great place to start.' The Field