The Danes of Send Manor: The Life, Loves and Mystery of Gordon Stewart [signed] [first edition]

Set in England in the first half of the twentieth century, The Danes of Send Manor is both the biography of legendary entrepreneur Gordon Stewart and a fascinating history of the magnificent Send Great Danes. Stewart had his start in aviation and motorcars, and soon built a vast industrial empire with his associate William Morris. His greatest ambition, however, was the construction of the world's best kennel. His vision was realized in Send Manor, an elaborate Swiss-style park that became home to 500 Great Danes. Stewart's purchase of London's famous Strand Theatre brought actors and other artists into his life -- the glamorous and the amorous. This captivating book, illustrated throughout with wonderful period photographs, unravels the tale of Stewart's exciting world and the colorful players in it; figures such as William Morris, Malcolm Campbell, Gracie Fields and painter Augustus John, and relationships that included a close friendship with the King of England and romantic encounters with... let's just say he had some interesting beneficiaries. Read this rich and often startling story. For those interested in dog obedience methods, this book reveals wonderful training techniques and features detailed performance descriptions and scores of obedience photographs. The Danes of Send Manor has something to interest a wide range of readers -- grand dog shows, obedience training tips, early automobile and aviation highlights, arts and theatre history, Royal Family secrets, and much more.