In the Field

In The Field is an anthology of the writer’s favourite field sports assignments throughout Great Britain and beyond during his long association with The Field and Country Life magazines. These sporting adventures are described under the headings of Horse & Hound, Gun & Rifle, Rod & Fly and Mixed Bag.

Some recall watershed moments in rural history, such as hunting with the Duke of Beaufort’s pack the morning after the Hunting Act completed its passage through Parliament, and how the Devon & Somerset Staghounds adapted to hunting deer within the law the following year. There are also exiting days with the Exmoor, Farndale and Middleton Hunts when it was still legal to pursue a live quarry, shoot days spent in the pursuit of grouse and other wild game, and fly fishing expeditions as far afield as Ethiopia, Yorkshire and Patagonia.

Others feature challenging assignments that include catching an Indian Ocean sailfish on the fly, bagging a Macnab, shooting an English wild boar and flighting geese into Altcar’s hallowed coursing grounds beneath a full moon. The book is beautifully illustrated with unique vignettes specially painted by the renowned wildlife and sporting artist, Rodger McPhail.

“This book is a treat to be savoured; part record, part memoir, illustrated with exquisite vignettes by the renowned Rodger McPhail. Adrian writes as an enthusiast for enthusiasts, and the book reads with the same easy elegance and erudition that the author brings to his own sporting life”  – Alexandra Henton, Editor The Field Magazine.