MAN MADE MOBILE – ONE OF
THE MUST HAVE EDITIONS ON THE HISTORY OF SADDLERY:
One of the keystone references for saddle collectors,
Man Made Mobile was published in 1980 following an
exhibition of historic saddles at the Renwick Gallery in
1974-1976. This study delves into the historical basis
of the early forms of saddles in Western North America.
This 146 page volume
consists of four essays: Horizons of the Western Saddle;
Origin of Mexican Horsemanship and Saddlery; Western
Saddles Before the Cowboy; and Saddles of the Plains
Indians. The essays are well illustrated with
photographs of surviving saddles, historic artwork, and
diagrams. The four essays are followed by an
illustrated catalogue of the equestrian artifacts drawn
from the Smithsonian Institution’s holdings and from
other important collections for the exhibition. There is
also a glossary of Spanish and English equestrian terms
used in this study.
This copy is ex-libris from
the R. Stephen Dorsey library and it bears a
presentation inscription from Jim Hutchins, the well
known curator of the Smithsonian Institution. The book
is in excellent condition, showing little handling with
a tight binding and all the pages and both covers
intact.
If your interest lies in
the saddlery in use on the Western Frontier during the
19th Century, this key volume is a must to
add to your library. (0919) $65
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