John Forbes: The Forefather of New Zealand Deerstalking is a meticulously compiled tribute to John Forbes, a legendary figure in New Zealand’s deerstalking history from the 1920s to 1940s. Authored and compiled by John Riley, this book chronicles Forbes’ exceptional hunting achievements and showcases his remarkable skills in early photography and success in securing red stag trophies.
Brendan Coe’s foreword sets the tone, highlighting Forbes’ role in establishing the protocols and sporting code that underpin modern deerstalking in New Zealand. Coe emphasises Forbes’ dedication to deer protection, his efforts in creating a block system for fair hunting, and his prolific writing that promoted deerstalking to the public.
It must be noted that Forbes authored one of the most sought-after and rarest hunting books, New Zealand Deer Heads (1924), about the great heads sent to England for the Wembley Exhibition of 1924-25 to establish New Zealand’s reputation as a sportsman’s paradise.
Riley’s introduction provides a behind-the-scenes look at the book’s creation, focusing on the discovery and conversion of Forbes’ glass plate negatives. The narrative details Lance Barnard’s meticulous work in transforming these century-old images into high-quality photographs, a testament to his dedication and expertise.
The book is a treasure trove of historical and technical information, meticulously organised to offer readers a comprehensive understanding of John Forbes’ legacy. The contents include:
- Bibliography and Certificates: Foundational documents like birth and death certificates.
- Douglas Scores of Trophy Heads: Detailed records showcasing the quality of trophies.
- Early Hunting Block Names: Lists of early hunting block and trips in the Hunter, Makarora, and West Coast regions.
- Technical Details: Examples of Kynoch and Westley Richards ammunition, rifles, and the types of cameras used by Forbes.
- Photographs and Negatives: An extensive collection of photographs, accompanied by the history of the glass negative plates.
- Articles and Correspondences: Personal letters, magazine articles, and detailed correspondences offering insights into the deerstalking community.
- Localities and Expeditions: Detailed accounts and maps of various valleys and creeks where Forbes hunted.
This book on Forbes stands as a significant contribution to the history of deerstalking and wildlife photography in New Zealand. John Riley’s dedication to preserving Forbes’ legacy is evident throughout. It offers an unparalleled glimpse into the life of a man who was not only a legendary deerstalker but also an advocate for wildlife conservation and an accomplished photographer.
The only downside to this book is that some of the image file reproductions are low resolution, and it is printed in A4 format on photocopier paper. However, despite some downsides, substance wins over form, and this book is a must-have for hunting history enthusiasts and collectors. Its detailed narratives, authentic photographs, and comprehensive historical context make it a worthwhile and valuable addition to any collection.
The Hunter’s recommendation is: buy it
The Hunter’s ratings are:
- Overall rating: 8.5 out of 10
- Photos and illustrations: 5 out of 5
- Trophy quality: 5 out of 5
- Writing quality and style: 3.5 out of 5
- Page-turner status: 4 out of 5
Publisher’s blurb
For your information the following is the book’s blurb:
This, my twelfth publication was compiled to acquaint people to the amazing talent of John Forbes, not only as a deer stalker, but as a gifted photographer. When one realises that most of the following photographs were taken over one hundred years ago, with large heavy wooden cameras, using glass plates, the quality is superb. It was the first book I wanted to produce after uncovering the glass plate negatives. But I was unable to find anyone with the knowledge and passion to convert them to photographs. We owe a great deal of gratitude to Lance Barnard who volunteered to carry out this task.
Bibliographic information
Title: John Forbes: The Forefather of New Zealand DeerstalkingAuthor: Compiled by John Riley
Editions: 2023 50 Ltd Edition; 2024 50 Hardcopy signed and Ltd.
Publisher: Private Printing
ISBN: N/A
Format: Softcover and Hardcover
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