This book describes the state of the hunt today and its organization, and aims to give a detailed survey of some of the great hunts in Britain and elsewhere. The selection is not simply based on what is fashionable, but includes hunts that are interesting for a variety of reasons, such as their contribution to hound-breeding, their histories, the type of country, or the personalities involved. There are quotes from the people involved, both masters and professionals, and details of the history and organization of each hunt. The introductory chapters outline the history of hunting, the development of the modern foxhound and the political pressures being faced.