So many quotes are attributed to him about horses and hunting, I was prepared for him to have been a land owner and well known foxhunter 
but, Google / Wikipedia refer to him as a champion car race:confused:; Anyone know more?
R. S. Surtees was todays equivalent of a “hunting correspondant” in the early - mid 1800’s. He rode to hounds and wrote extensively on the subject, including books. He was editor and co-owner of the “New Sporting Magazine”
His works are considered a sort of ‘comedy’ about hunting and life in England. He pokes fun at the ‘gentry’ and lots of others.
His character names are TOO funny! Mr. Sponge - as in Mr. Sponge’s Sporting Tour, is an example. Mr. S goes from house to house, after only receiving a vague invitation, ‘sponging’ off the owners… and relates his foxhunting adventures as he goes. Most books are out of print in the US; but some can be found on antique book websites, often at good prices, since there were many editions of his works.
I would say it’s required reading by any foxhunters out there…I have read and re-read my copies many times.
But John Surtees, the racer ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Surtees ) is pretty incredible in his own right.
The only man to be world champion on both motorcycles and cars.
Recovered from a couple of very nasty accidents.
Robert Surtees was one of the most hysterical authors I’ve ever read.
His hunting stories are true classics.
You can read about one of his creations, Mr Jorrocks, here; http://infomotions.com/etexts/gutenberg/dirs/1/5/3/8/15387/15387.htm
Usually with illustrations like this; http://www.wikigallery.org/wiki/painting_256036/John-Leech/Mr-Jorrocks-Has-a-Bye-Day
