Mr Facey Romford's Hounds

First published in 1865, this sporting novel follows Francis Facey Romford, a penniless huntsman who exploits sharing a name with a rich landowner. He obtains a pack on credit, installs himself as master of the Heavyside Hunt, and later of the Larkspur in Doubleimupshire, living at other men's expense. Lucy Glitters, an actress and fine rider from an earlier Surtees book, poses as his widowed half-sister and rides as a whip. Tradesmen, subscribers, and an absent landlord are taken in by seals, letters, and hunting talk. The plot is a string of meets, bills, and exposures rather than a single intrigue. The book is a comic study of hunting society and imposture.

Full red cloth or red artificial leather decorated in gold. Pale yellow endleaves. Gold slipcase.