This volume offers a deliberately non-contentious look at this highly controversial sport. Instead of delving into the ethics of this deeply ingrained part of rural life in Great Britain and Ireland, Anne Holland portrays some of the hunting world's wonderful canine, equine and human characters. British settlement throughout the world has led to the sport's introduction to such nations as the United States, Australia and New Zealand where it continues to thrive today. In addition, some of the most famous packs (Beaufort, Belvoir) are linked with some of Britain's historic families and stately homes but, equally famous, are the likes of the Banwen Miners hunt in Wales. Hunting has managed to cross all barriers of geography, class and culture to the extent that hunting prints can be found hanging on the walls of homes everywhere. Hunting is shown to be not only, or primarily, the preserve of the British aristocracy but an aspect of countryside that enfolds people from all walks of life.