Important English treatise on horse riding. [ASTLEY, JOHN. c. 1507-1596]. The Art of Riding, set foorth in a breefe treatise, with a due interpretation of certeine places alledged out of Xeonophone, and Gryfon, verie expert and excellent Horssemen. London: Henrie Denham, 1584. 8vo (199 x 137 mm). Woodcut illustrations in text, initials, head- and tail-pieces. Some browning, minor scattered staining, crease to title page. Later calf, gilt. Upper cover detached, a bit rub, spine chipped. FIRST EDITION of a rare early English equestrian work, was originally issued together with Claudio Corte's The Art of Riding (1584). The work describes the continental tradition of dressage established by Italian horse master Federico Grisone. Astley was an Elizabethan courtier and the work derives from his own experience as well as influential Italian works on horsemanship. Podeschi, Books on the Horse 11. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing