A ranking of notable antique hunting books — spanning 19th-century natural history works and travel memoirs through classic hunting manuals to rare pre-war collector’s editions

The Best Books for Hunters - Ranking of Old and Pre-War Hunting Books

Old hunting books are much more than literature about hunting. They are a testimony to the history of nature, hunting traditions, and the old landed gentry culture, as well as a record of the relationship between man and nature and a changing world. Among 19th-century and pre-war editions, you can find true rarities — from rare hunting guides and monumental natural history works to travel diaries, accounts of exotic expeditions, and poetic descriptions of forests, game, and old customs.

We have prepared a ranking of the most interesting books for hunters — from pre-war classics to 18th-century rarities. This selection will interest both collectors and those looking for a unique gift for a hunter.

1. Feliks Paweł Jarocki - “Various Writings in Verse and Prose” (1830)

See the copy:
https://antyksobieski.pl/jarocki-pisma-rozmaite-wierszem-i-proza-t-i-ii-komplet-w-2wol-wyd-1830-ptaki-owady-ule-puszcza-bialowieska.html

This is one of the most interesting and rare titles related to the history of Polish nature, zoology, and the Białowieża Forest. The two-volume work by Feliks Paweł Jarocki contains both literary texts and extremely valuable natural history treatises.

Particularly significant is the section dedicated to the Białowieża Forest and the European bison. Jarocki left some of the most valuable descriptions of 19th-century Białowieża and observations of bisons made during direct field expeditions.

The author was one of the most outstanding Polish zoologists of the first half of the 19th century, a professor at the University of Warsaw, and the organizer of the Zoological Cabinet. Today, the publication has enormous value both for collectors and for historical and natural science purposes.

It is an ideal proposal for those interested in the history of hunting, old zoology, and nature conservation.

2. “Illustrated Hunting Calendar” for the years 1893–1897

See the copy:
https://antyksobieski.pl/kalendarz-mysliwski-ilustrowany-na-rok-1893-oprawa.html

Old hunting calendars are today highly sought after by collectors. They combine the function of a practical guide with a chronicle of old hunting life.

The “Illustrated Hunting Calendar” contained seasonal advice, information about game, hunting customs, the hunting calendar, and natural curiosities. Today, such publications are a fascinating document of the era.

A set of several years bound into one volume is a particularly attractive collector’s form.

3. Wincenty Pol - “The Hunter’s Year” (1870)

See the copy:
https://antyksobieski.pl/pol-rok-mysliwca-wyd-1870-z-rysunkami-kossaka-oprawa-introligator-a-getritz-we-lwowie.html

Also read the post:
https://antyksobieski.pl/blog/wincenty-pol-rok-mysliwca-1870-poetycki-hold-dla-natury-i-tradycji-lowieckiej

This is one of the most atmospheric Polish hunting books of the 19th century. Wincenty Pol created a poetic tribute to nature, hunting tradition, and the old world of hunting.

A great asset of the edition is the illustrations by Juliusz Kossak, which give the book a unique artistic character. “The Hunter’s Year” is today valued both by literature lovers and collectors of old hunting books.

It is an excellent example of how hunting literature can combine history, art, and nature.

4. Potocki - “Hunting Notes from Africa” (1897)

See the copy:
https://antyksobieski.pl/potocki-notatki-mysliwskie-z-afryki-1-2-ilustr-stachiewicza-1897r.html

A classic of travel and hunting literature. Exotic expeditions, descriptions of African nature and hunts, and rich illustrative material make this one of the most impressive hunting books of the late 19th century.

The publication also stands out for its high editorial quality and beautiful illustrations by Stachiewicz.

This title is especially valued by collectors of travel literature and old accounts of hunting expeditions.

5. Döbel - “Neueroeffnete Jaeger Practica” (1754)

See the copy:
https://antyksobieski.pl/doebel-neueroeffnete-jaeger-practica-cz-1-4-wyd-1754-14382.html

Also read the post:
https://antyksobieski.pl/blog/doebel-neueroeffnete-jaeger-practica-cz-1-4-wyd-1783

This is a true rarity of 18th-century hunting literature. “Neueroeffnete Jaeger Practica” is one of the most important old European guides for hunters.

The publication shows what hunting practices, knowledge about game, and hunting techniques looked like over 250 years ago. For collectors of old hunting books, this is a unique and very hard-to-find title.

6. Ferdynand Ossendowski - “Fiery North”

See the copy:
https://antyksobieski.pl/ossendowski-plomienna-polnoc.html

See other Ossendowski publications:
https://antyksobieski.pl/product/search?query=ossendowski

Ferdynand Ossendowski remains one of the most fascinating Polish travelers and authors of adventure reports. “Fiery North” is a book full of descriptions of wild nature, northern landscapes, and extraordinary natural observations.

Ossendowski’s work often appeals to those interested in adventure literature, exploration, and old expeditions.

7. Jan Sztolcman - “Peru”

See the copy:
https://antyksobieski.pl/sztolcman-peru-t-1-2-kompleyt-w-2wol-wyd.html

Jan Sztolcman was an outstanding Polish traveler, zoologist, and researcher of South America. His publications still impress with detailed descriptions of nature and exotic species.

“Peru” is a combination of travelogue, zoological observations, and a document of the era of great scientific expeditions.

On our blog, we have also presented other rare and interesting titles related to old natural history and hunting literature, although many of them are no longer available.

8. Włodzimierz Korsak - “The Hunter’s Year” (1922)

See the copy:
https://antyksobieski.pl/korsak-rok-mysliwego-wyd-1922r-22084.html

See other books by Włodzimierz Korsak:
https://antyksobieski.pl/product/search?query=korsak

Włodzimierz Korsak is one of the most important authors of Polish hunting literature of the 20th century. His books have enjoyed great interest from collectors for years and often quickly find new owners.

“The Hunter’s Year” is a classic story about the rhythm of nature, changing seasons, and the life of a hunter. For many hunting enthusiasts, it is a must-have title.

Why Are Old Hunting Books So Valued Today?

Old hunting literature is not only books about hunting. It is also:

• a document of natural history,

• a testimony of old traditions,

• a source of zoological knowledge,

• beautiful illustrations and bindings,

• rare collector’s editions,

• extraordinary travel accounts.

Many pre-war and 19th-century hunting books were published in small print runs, which is why they are very difficult to obtain today.

A Book for a Hunter - A Great Gift Idea

An elegant hunting book can be a unique gift for a hunter, forester, collector, or nature lover. Especially valued are:

• pre-war editions,

• books with illustrations by Kossak,

• old hunting guides,

• expedition diaries,

• natural history works,

• richly bound volumes.

Unlike many contemporary gifts, old hunting books often increase in value and have a unique character.

FAQ - Most Frequently Asked Questions About Hunting Books

What book should I buy for a hunter?

It is best to choose classic hunting books, pre-war editions, or titles related to the history of nature and hunting. Albums and books with illustrations are also a good choice.

What are the best books for a hunter?

Among the most valued authors are, among others, Włodzimierz Korsak, Wincenty Pol, Ferdynand Ossendowski, and Feliks Paweł Jarocki.

Do old hunting books have collector’s value?

Yes. Especially valued are 19th-century, pre-war, limited editions, and books in original bindings.

Where to buy old hunting books?

It is best to look for them in specialized antiquarian bookstores offering old prints, collector’s books, and hunting literature.

Which pre-war hunting books are the rarest?

The rarest include old hunting guides, illustrated hunting calendars, and first editions of classic authors.

Is a hunting book a good gift?

Definitely yes. An elegant edition of an old hunting book can be a unique and timeless gift.

Why are Włodzimierz Korsak’s books so popular?

Korsak described nature, hunting tradition, and life in harmony with the rhythm of nature in a unique way. His books have enjoyed great interest from collectors for years.

Are old hunting books a good investment?

The rarest copies, especially in good condition and original bindings, often increase in value over time.

See also other interesting hunting and natural history books

Hunting and natural history literature is an extremely broad world of old editions, travel diaries, and unique zoological studies. Below we also present other rare hunting books, pre-war hunting guides, and collector’s editions related to the history of nature and hunting tradition.