Cock Fighting All Over the World [Cockfighting] (First Edition) by Finsterbusch, C. A - 1929

Grit & Steel, 1929. Very Good. First Edition, octavo hardcover, light blue cloth, gilt titles, 472pp, illustrated throughout in photogravure, with centerfold photo plate frontis. Author's only work, a manual on the world's gamefowl, detailing histories, pit practices, spurs, breeding, and with a bibliography of books and journals, all late 1800s-1900s. Reprinted in 1980 (UK). Cockfighting is a gambling sport with its roots dating to 16th-century Spain, the scenario involving two enraged fighting roosters who duel to the death. Legality issues concerning animal cruelty and animal rights continue to follow its spectators and participants vehemently, but the sport is still semi-legal in places like the Philippines and Puerto Rico (where it is mostly a winter sport), condoned at ceremonies and festivals in Vietnam, and currently illegal in the US. Finsterbusch was involved while the US still had no regulated policies regarding the blood sport. Publishers produced long-running magazine well into 1970s. Very Good, with moderate foxing and stains, name in ink on the front pastedown, light bumps, 1 page with brief insect chew, scant pencil marginalia, lacking dust jacket (presumed as issued).