True to the Line

Reviews / Votes

This book, written with style and intelligence, is as fascinating for its description of country people and places as it is for stories of horses, hounds and the chase. -- Philip Bowern This title is written in an illuminative and engaging style, reflecting on the author's life-long hunting experiences and the unique characters he has met along the way, whilst openly offering his opinions on contentious and controversial topics. * Fieldsports * I found this autobiography of a Master of Foxhounds fascinating stuff. As a hunting correspondent and only the second amateur huntsman to become MFH to the Quorn, Adrian has led a life packed with incident and has ridden to hounds not only in the UK but all over the world. Of course the hunting ban is mentioned and discussed, as something that had a huge potential impact on a lifestyle, but the overall feeling I got is that of a countryman in tune with hounds, horse... and wildlife. There's no false sentimentality here, and very little politics, and I found it a thought-provoking read. -- Harriet Phillips * Horse and Countryside * A very worthwhile read and an ideal Christmas present for those who continue to be dedicated to hunting and all that goes with it. -- James Barclay * Bailys Hunting Directory * This carefree account of a life with the Spooners and West Dartmoor, the Sinnington in North Yorkshire (a stint with the Quorn ended bitterly) and the travels of a hunting correspondent should delight field sportsmen who will enjoy all the name checks of well-known figures, as well as recognising the highs, lows, humour, politics and humiliations that come with being an MFH. * Country Life * The ONLY THING BETTER than going foxhunting is reading about it in a book whose author knows and understands the sport. In huntsman and writer Adrian Dangar, we have the perfect pilot, and the sketches by Daniel Crane, today's answer to Alfred Munnings, add enormously to the memoir's charm. * Covertside USA * Will be devoured with relish by anyone who has the remotest connection to hunting. Dangar's knowledge of the hunting world is demonstrated within the text, where all life is thrown together from the eccentric and flamboyant to the ancient doyens of the sport... Dangar writes in a chatty, easy-to-read style that makes the book perfect for dipping into on long dreary winter afternoons. The book contains beautiful illustrations as well as some stunning hunting photographs... Perfect book and one that will hopefully find its way into many Christmas stockings this year. -- Jacqui Broderick * Horse and Pony Ireland * A highly entertaining read based on his memoirs as a huntsman and countryman - a life spent breathing and dreaming of foxes, hounds, wildlife and the countryside... Beneath the entertaining stories and poignant scenes, which he evokes so clearly you could be riding to the chase alongside him, lies a stark reminder of the huge change which has occurred in such a short period of time. -- Jo Foster * Yorkshire Post * A nice memoir..., this is his account of early riding life and a life subsequently spent in the UK countryside and the wild open spaces in places such as Arizona and Trinidad. -- Wendy Parsons * The Essex Rider * This eagerly anticipated memoir is based on the author's four separate Masterships... written in an engaging and illuminating style, the author writes beautifully whilst not shying away from contentious issues and controversial characters. -- Michael Sagar * Hounds Magazine * Over 26 chapters, each introduced by a charming Daniel Crane line drawing, Dangar relives his remarkable hunting career. It takes erudition to transfer the intangible nature of a hunting day onto the page but this Field contributor manages it with aplomb. For those who have ridden to hounds, this book will be a joy to read. It is a paen hounds and venery and one that should grace every foxunter's library. * The Field * Written in an engaging and illuminating style, the author writes beautifully while not shying away from contentious issues and controversial characters. * Countrymans Weekly *