13 - GERMANY, Henry-René d'. Sports and Games of Skill.

GERMANY, Henry-René d'. Sports and Games of Skill. A superb first edition of this comprehensive work on the history of games. In a publisher’s cardboard binding with polychrome Art Nouveau decoration, complete with all 100 plates. Paris, Hachette et Cie, n.d. [1903]. Large quarto, publisher’s Bradel binding in cream paper, smooth spine and covers adorned with a colored design, gilt head. 370 - IV (conclusion) - 371 to 382 pp., 100 plates, including 29 watercolor-illustrated plates, 328 black-and-white illustrations in the text. Spine and margins of the covers slightly sun-faded. First edition of this remarkable, richly illustrated monograph. Henry-René d’Allemagne (1863–1950), archivist, paleographer, and librarian at the Arsenal, describes in particular the earliest childhood games (hoop, kite, spinning top…), running games, games of skill (bow and crossbow, cup-and-ball), ball games, and games played with balls (jeu de paume, billiards). The final section is devoted to more “athletic” activities: gymnastics, dance, fencing, skating… A beautiful copy with an attractive publisher’s hardcover binding illustrated with games such as cup-and-ball, chess, skittles, dice, and spinning tops.