Overview

This is the story of two generations of a famous gin- and wine-dealing family, the Gilbeys. With a father who ran both an inn and one of the last horse-drawn coach runs, it was perhaps inevitable that the Gilbey brothers should combine a trade in drink with a love of horses. This book tells how, by innovative marketing and pricing strategies, the Gilbeys came to dominate the British trade in wine and spirits, grasping the opportunity to turn the beer-drinking British populace into wine-drinkers. They also never forgot their family's traditional interest in horses. The first Sir Walter Gilbey was the driving force behind the establishment of the family firm and was instrumental in founding the Shire Horse Society. His son, Henry Walter, was famous for his ideas on correct horse-riding dress. The royalties from the sale of this book will go to the British Horse Foundation, the Dressage Supporters Group, the London Harness Horse Parade and the Gilbey Archive.

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9780718829407

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Reviews

I found that I was continually being drawn to read ... It was educational to learn of the influence exerted over the horse world by this man ... exceedingly well researched ... Surprise to me was how interesting the rise, battles and take over of such a famous company could be, when presented in such a readable fashion ... For anyone who has an interest in the history of business, of horses, or just the Victorian and Edwardian eras, this is a book to spend your (Christmas) money on. Distance Rider A classic example of the adage 'from clogs to clogs in three generations'. But it is more than that. It is also a social history of Britain, from the middle of the nineteenth century to the millennium, by reference to the fortunes of a remarkable family ... This is a book for the general reader, whether interested in the history of the drinks trade, horses or the social history of the period ... Jane Kidd is a professional journalist who has written a number of books on equestrian subjects, and as such has the expertise to explain the significance of events, as well as having an enquiring mind. The Brewer The story of an outstanding family and the fortunes of the ever-changing family business. Farmers Weekly ... you can - and should - read [it] ... You will marvel how she has coped with the complexity of the family and its business ... the Gilbeys name stands head and shoulders above any other in the long procession which now stretches out over 120 years. Heavy Horse World Jane Kidd hides nothing in the story of divorce, business success and failure in a family which for many years was continually in the news for its public service, indiscretions and business intrigues. Isle of Man Examiner ... a fascinating book; it tells a unique story of the horse-loving dynasty. Intouch ... a fascinating account of the history of Gilbey family ... rich backdrop of social history. Wessex Rider

Author Information

Jane Kidd is especially close to the subject, being a regular contributor to Horse & Hound and a scion of a family whose firm has traced a parallel course to that of the Gilbeys - her grandfather was the first Lord Beaverbrook. She has written a number of books on equestrian subjects, and is editor of The Dressage News. This is her first biography.

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