I found a copy of this book some time ago, nothing speciel about it, apart from the (first?) owners name and that made me curious.
His name was John Biddulph, he came from Llangenneck (in Wales) as far as I am able to read his hand and then there is a name, Plasifsaf(?) or something like that.
Anyone who knows what that means?
Ole

Dear Ole,

This is most strange. There is a modern publisher who reproduces old books and whose name is Joseph Biddulph

He is at 32 Stryd Ebeneser, Pontypridd.

I can not find any relevant reference to a John Biddulph. Although search found a number of persons with that name, none seem to have any connection with archery. This is not to say that there was no archer of this name who just happened to have this book. There are a number of places in Wales called Plas Isaf and one of them is near Llanngennech. The family of Biddulph had some Welsh connections around Llannelli

Is your book an original or a copy ?

administrator

My book is an original (6th edition, 1827) and I found some info about a John Biddulph Esq., who lived in Llangennech around 1830, so it seemed to fit together.
And so does "Plas Isaf" The capital "I" in "Isaf" looked like a "if" and I can se now, that it is two words.
So I'm pretty sure this book belonged to him.
Thank you, I'm a "Bibliomaniac Toxophilite" as a friend once called me, but I also like know something about the people, who wrote the books and who owned them.
Ole

You really do seem to be able to find some rare books - well done. Keep it safe !

administrator