by James Plumptre
First edition of an early contribution to the animal rights movement
London: Printed for Darton, Harvey, and Darton [etc.], 1816. First edition of the Reverend James Plumptre's discourse on various aspects of the butcher's trade. viii, 198, [10] pp. Illustrated with engraved frontispiece, 6 plates, and 3 tables. Bound in publisher's printed paper-covered boards, somewhat crudely rebacked over quarter leather with original endpapers preserved. Very Good+ with moderate wear to covers, ownership signature dated May 5th, 1836 to front free endpaper, and light to moderate foxing, toning, and thumbing to contents.
The first edition of an early contribution to the animal rights movement. James Plumptre was an English dramatist and clergyman whose friendship with a butcher, "a very intelligent and humane person," led to him to question the commonly held belief that both livestock and their killers were unfeeling brutes. His book addresses the religious considerations of slaying animals and draws on numerous sources to provide comprehensive information about the butcher's trade, animal breeds, the legality of animal cruelty, ways to preserve meat, and more. An appendix contains fables, advice, and hymns on the subject. The spirit of the book, which was owned by a butcher named William Jenkins, is expressed by the quotation on the title page:
"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy."