Horses

In a world where the majestic horse reigns supreme, Elwyn Hartley Edwards gallops into the hearts (and perhaps the stables) of equestrian enthusiasts with his 2000 masterwork, "Horses." This isn’t just a book; it’s a veritable encyclopaedia of horsey knowledge, complete with glossy images that might make you rethink your decision to take a simple stroll through the countryside without a trusty steed. Edwards, with an apparent obsession for all things equine, whisks readers away on a thoroughbred journey through the ages—though you might want to keep an eye on those pesky horse puns lurking around every corner.

Now, if you’re expecting a straightforward account of horse care or riding techniques, prepare yourself for a detour filled with unpredictable gallops down tangential paths. One moment you’re learning about the anatomy of a horse, and the next, you’re knee-deep in a history lesson about famous equine figures, like the questionable yet illustrious “Napoleon’s Horse” (who, let’s face it, probably had better luck on the battlefield than its rider). You might find yourself pondering whether this book is intended for practical use or simply to impress your friends at the pub with your newfound knowledge of horse trivia.

Let’s not gloss over the stunning visuals. Dorling Kindersley has outdone itself with photographs so detailed that you can almost see the hay stuck in the mane of a particularly photogenic Friesian. Each page is like a portal, drawing you deeper into a world where horses are not merely animals, but characters in a grand saga of human and equine connection. Whether it’s the wild mustangs of North America or the dashing dressage champions of Europe, this book captures them all with a flair that could make any horse lover swoon. Take that, art galleries!

And what about those sidebars? Ah, yes, the delightfully quirky asides that offer little nuggets of trivia you never knew you needed. Ever wondered about the dietary needs of a stallion that has aspirations of competing at the Olympics? Or how to impress the local riding club with your knowledge of horse grooming? Well, saddle up, because these bits of information are about as useful as a chocolate teapot but infinitely more entertaining. You might even find yourself quoting random horse facts at dinner parties, leading to the most awkward yet memorable conversations.

Condition: Used, but fear not! This tome has been lovingly thumbed through by various individuals, each adding their own unique scent of nostalgia and, perhaps, a hint of saddle soap. The pages are sturdy, and the spine remains unbroken—much like a horse that refuses to be tamed. A few dog-eared corners indicate where someone got particularly excited about a particular horse breed, while the odd coffee stain whispers stories of late-night reading sessions. This is not just a book; it’s a piece of history that has been saved from the dusty corners of the forgotten library.

As you wander through this whimsical world of equines, you may find yourself inspired to visit your local riding school, or at the very least, to join an online forum dedicated to discussing the existential crises of horses. The book is perfect for anyone who has ever pondered the deeper significance of a horse’s neigh or for those simply looking to acquire a book that will look impressive on their coffee table—assuming they have a coffee table that can withstand such weighty topics.

So, if you’re ready to embrace your inner equestrian, or simply need a conversation starter with a side of irony, “Horses” by Elwyn Hartley Edwards is waiting to be picked up. Just remember to take care not to spill anything on it; this book deserves better than to be tarnished by the lattes of the world. Pick it up from Crappy Old Books, where the literary treasures are as curious as the titles themselves.

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