109 - [CIRCUS - HORSEBACK RIDING]. VAUX, Baron de. Male and Female Riding Instructors. A History of European Circuses (1680–1891). With a study on artistic horsemanship by Maxime Gaussen.

[CIRCUS - HORSEBACK RIDING]. VAUX, Baron de. Male and Female Riding Instructors. A History of European Circuses (1680–1891). With a study on artistic horsemanship by Maxime Gaussen. Paris, J. Rothschild, 1893. In-8, light-colored half-shagreen with corners edged in a double gold fillet, spine with raised bands cold-stamped with the author’s name and title in gold lettering, gilt head (contemporary binding) xxii and 368 pp., 280 portraits and illustrations, including several inset plates on heavy paper. Binding slightly rubbed and soiled, some foxing. First edition of this monograph on equestrian art in the circus during the 19th century, published by Baron de Vaux, a cavalry officer from 1860 to 1867, who later became a journalist and “sports reporter” specializing in horse racing, equestrianism, shooting, hunting, and fencing. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the leading figures in equestrianism, the circus, and European riding schools since the 17th century. It also includes a study on classical horsemanship by Maxime Gaussen. The volume is illustrated with 280 illustrations, including numerous full-page portraits, featuring notably Adèle Drouin, Emilie Loisset, Countess Fanny Ghika, Eliza Petzold, Adelina Price, and Anna Fillis. Preface by H. Meilhac of the Académie française, and introduction by V. Franconi, director of the Cirque d’Été. [Ménnessier de La Lance, II, 610] Autograph dedication signed by the author in black ink on the half-title page: “To my friend Laffon, cordially, Baron de Vaux.” Ex-libris stamped on the title page and half-title page from the library of Mr. P. Chevalier, Manège Duphot (a famous Parisian riding school of the time). A sturdy copy in a contemporary binding.