By John Pond
Published by G. Woodfall: Charing Cross c1758 (publication date not specified - presumed to be the year following the year in focus)
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The Sporting Kalendar by John Pond, published in 1757, is an early and meticulous record of horse racing in mid-18th century Britain. The book provides a detailed account of the plates and matches run during the year, carefully listing the horses, owners, places, and results of each notable race. Written in the spirit of precision and documentation, it reflects the growing importance of horse racing as both a sport and a social institution, where breeding, ownership, and gambling converged to shape the culture of the turf.
Beyond being a straightforward register of sporting results, Pond's work captures the prestige surrounding major racing events and highlights the involvement of aristocratic patrons who were central to the sport's popularity. It also serves as an invaluable historical source for understanding the evolution of thoroughbred racing, the organization of meetings, and the role of wagering in Georgian society. As such, The Sporting Kalendar stands as both a sporting chronicle and a window into the social dynamics of 18th-century leisure and competition."
General wear and fading to original cover and spine. Binding threads revealed at top and bottom of outer spine as shown. Pages showing typical ageing with some light staining and light foxing (if any). Overall, this is a nice copy in good condition. Please study photos to understand condition. Happy to provide more photos on request.
