Special Collections is pleased to hold a large collection of books by Gervase Markham (1568-1637) who, in the late 16th and early 17th century, wrote on a variety of topics most relevant to his times: husbandry, horsemanship, archery, farriery, household recipes, hunting, fishing, and the art of war were all topics of Markham's many books.  This is not to say he was an expert in any of these fields; indeed, his cures for horse ailments often did more harm than good. Nevertheless, Markham's books were very popular as witnessed by their many editions, and he has been described as the best known writer of his day. Our latest acquisition is the scarce second edition of  Hungers prevention, or, The whole art of fowling by water and land : containing all the secrets belonging to that art, and brought into a true forme or method ..., which provides instructions and charming illustrations for gathering and hunting for food. It is also the first book to describe the existence of flintlock and its use on sitting fowl.