The Curiosities of Ale & Beer: An Entertaining History - John Bickerdyke, John Greville Fennell, J. M. Dixon 1889 - Field &, London - First Edition A history of ale and beer brewing from 2000 BC to the 1880's. Ballads and songs on beer, porter and stouts, served at large feasts at inns and taverns. Early anecdotes and poems, with sections on the medicinal uses of ale and hops. Illustrated with over 50 ‘quaint woodcuts’ and woodcut initials taken mostly from rare old titles.

Since the dawn of our history Barley-wine has been the “naturall drinke” for an “Englysshe man,” and has had no unimportant influence on English life and manners. It is, therefore, somewhat curious that up to the present, among the thousands of books published annually, no comprehensive work on the antiquities of ale and beer has found place.’

A finely bound first edition of BIckerdyke’s ‘evocative 19th century masterpiece’ [
Craft Beer & Brewing], a project begun by his friend, fellow angling author and lover of ale, John Greville Fennell, who due to failing health asked Cook to continue and finish the work.
  Charles Henry Cook (1858-1933) who wrote under the pseudonym John Bickerdyke, waxing engagingly on the subjects that clearly interested him most - angling, sailing, beer and photography.

John Greville Fennell (1807-1885) was another great character and author in the Angling world, contributor to The Field’ and according to Cook, a ‘lover of ale’.

Quarto (binding size 25.5x17.5cm), pp. xii 449 [3].
  Bound by George Bayntun of Bath, in three-quarter crushed brown levant morocco over tan cloth boards, spine lettered in gilt, raised bands, untrimmed edges, top edge gilt, marbled endpapers.   Condition: Fine in fine binding   Ref: 111556   Price: HK$ 9,000