In the groundbreaking book ‘The Royal Pastime of Cock-fighting’ by R. H., readers are taken on a deep dive into the history and culture surrounding the controversial sport of cockfighting. Through meticulous research and vivid descriptions, R. H. explores the social implications and moral complexities of this age-old activity. The book is written in a straightforward and informative style, making it accessible to both scholars and general readers interested in understanding the significance of cockfighting within its historical context. The author’s detailed accounts of the fights and the rituals involved provide fascinating insights into a pastime that has long been a subject of debate and fascination. R. H. deftly navigates the fine line between academic analysis and storytelling, offering a well-rounded perspective on a topic that continues to arouse interest and controversy. Readers looking to deepen their understanding of the cultural practices surrounding cockfighting will find this book to be a comprehensive and enlightening resource.
Sobre el autor
The author identified as R. H. emerges from historical anonymity primarily through his work ‘The Royal Pastime of Cock-fighting.’ Unfortunately, there are scant details available regarding his personal life, historical context or any comprehensive body of work. Hence, it remains challenging to piece together a scholarly and detailed biography. R. H.’s contribution to literature, notably in the aforementioned book, reflects an interest in what was, during certain historical periods, a popular and socially significant pastime. This sport, which has since fallen out of favor due to changing social attitudes and animal welfare laws, was once a significant aspect of European, especially British, social life and culture. The book by R. H., possibly first published in the late 17th or early 18th century, provides insight into the rules, breeding, care and cultural impact of cock-fighting, which at the time could have been indicative of a keen observer or participant in the sport. The detailed nature of the treatise suggests that R. H. held a passion for the subject, and it has historical value for researchers examining the period’s sports and pastimes. Given the scant information on R. H.’s background and the literary style which does not extensively feature in broader literature, the scholarly community must often content itself with analysis of his known work, without the enriching context of an authorial biography.