The Noble Art of Venerie or Hunting
London: Printed by Thomas Purfoot, 1611
Bequest of Miss Julia P. Wightman
Pigeon pies, cold mutton, capon, beef, and goose were just some of the dainties provided for this hunting party. Gascoigne eloquently described the lavish refreshments enjoyed by the royal retinue as part of a political allegory designed to demonstrate the brilliance of the Elizabethan court, not just on formal state occasions but even in the great outdoors. This second edition appeared after Elizabeth had been succeeded by James I. Instead of paying for new illustrations, the publisher retained the woodcuts of the first edition and commissioned a hack artist to cut out the portraits of the queen and to insert the figure of the reigning monarch in the proper place.