Genius Genuine

London: Sold for the Author / Shury, Printer, 1804. Good. London: Sold for the Author, 1804. Second Edition. Octavo (20cm.); full contemporary gilt-ruled calf (sadly lacking upper cover), spine in six compartments, red gilt spine onlay, gilt dentelles, all edges gilt, marbled endpapers; vii,[8]-170pp. Spine rather scuffed, mid 20th century bookseller description tipped to front free endpaper; a Good, internally clean and complete copy, though in a compromised binding lacking front cover.

Bound with half title (sympathetically repaired along gutter), with printed "Price Five Pounds" cleanly redacted in a contemporary hand, below which has been written in manuscript "Price one Pound." Half title verso also provides the printer's slug (Shury, Printer) and the note "From unforeseen circumstances the Author has been prevented publishing this Book at the time intended." This note appears in the first (ca. 1803) edition as well (see ESTC N312231).

The title page goes on to list the contents of this idiosyncratic work as follows: "A fine part in riding a race, known only to the author. Why there are so few good runners; or Why the turf horses degenerate. A guide to recover them to their strength and speed; as well as to train horses for running, and hunters and hacks for hard riding. To preserve their strength, and their sinews from being so often destroyed; with reasons for horses changing in their running. Likewise a full account of the Prince's horse Escape running at Newmarket on the 20th and 21st days of October 1791. With other interesting particulars." Phew.

Samuel Chifney (ca. 1753-1807) was a British jockey hired in 1790 as "rider for life" by the Prince of Wales. During the above-mentioned race at Newmarket in 1791 Chifney came under suspicion after finishing last in a race in which he had been the favorite, only to come in first in the race the following day. In the face of scandal, the Prince of Wales chose the extreme option of selling his stable.