François Robichon de La Guérinière, 1733

DE LA GUÉRINIÈRE, François Robichon (1688-1751). Ecole de cavalerie contenant la connoissance, l'instruction et la conservation du cheval. Paris: Jacques Collombat, 1733.

First folio edition of one of the most beautiful French equestrian books, third overall. The splendid engraved additional title by Cars after Parrocel depicts the education of Achilles by the centaur Chiron. De La Guérinière was the Equerry to Louis XIV and a major influence on horse training, riding practice, and dressage. The illustrations include plans and diagrams, anatomical and medical images, and portraits of the author's most distinguished students, and a skeleton horse. Mennessier de la Lance II, p.27; Nissen ZBI 236.

Folio (434 x 232mm). Engraved additional title and 23 engraved illustrations, some double-page; engraved head- and tail-pieces (gutter dampstain at end). Contemporary speckled calf, edges red (worn at extremities, rear joint splitting but bands holding).