A CATALOGUE OF BOOKS AND IMAGES RELATED TO
TENNIS (REAL/ROYAL/COURT)
LE JEU DE PAUME
RACKETS/RACQUETS
LONGUE PAUME
FIVES
LIST OF IMPORTANT CONTENTS
BOOKS WITH RAQUETS/RACKETS CONTENT
CLUB HISTORIES
INTRODUCTION
This Catalogue 71 is published in April 2012 to celebrate the holding of Rob Fahey’s latest defence of his World Real Tennis title. All the titles listed can be viewed or purchased at The Queen’s Club in the week commencing Monday 23rd April. Before of after that they can be purchased using the contact details listed below.
My last major Tennis and Rackets catalogue was published in April 2008 offering 89 items; subsequent printed and electronic newsletters have contained small sections mostly describing new titles. This new Catalogue 71 can be seen on www.tennisbookshop.com listing both recent publications as well as titles dated back to the mid-eighteenth century.
The main method of distributing information to the huge number of contacts I have from all over the world is by using the electronic route as much as possible. The advantages are obvious, so it is with regret that I have decided not to use the mailing route any more owing to the cumulative costs of printing and postage. My occasional mass e-mails round the fifty or so countries where I have customers often produce at least the same amount of business as would a paper catalogue, and usually in a fraction of the time. Indeed my e-mail list is now three times as long as my mailing list.
EXPLANATORY NOTE RE BOOK DESCRIPTIONS
I try to use standard and easy to understand terms when describing my books. “12mo” is about 14cm x 16cm; “8vo” is about 14cm x 21cm; “4to” is about 21cm x 26cm; and “folio” or “elephant folio” is generally anything larger than 4to. All books offered for sale are in at least very good condition and where there are faults, these are described. Any purchase may be returned within two weeks for a full and complete refund if there is a sound reason for this. Please note that in the case of out-of-print books, it is most likely that I will only have one copy. Do let me know if you are looking for any particular book.
Please note that when viewing this newsletter, you can click on any book picture to open it in a separate window in much larger format, for better viewing. However, your browser will need to be configured to allow pop-up windows.
ORDERS AND PAYMENT FOR BOOKS
Books can be ordered:
** in person at exhibitions
** by telephone to +44 (0) 1730-816116 or mobile +44 (0) 7860-395798
** by letter to Oaklands Farm Cottage, Oaklands Lane, West Lavington, Midhurst, West Sussex GU29 0EJ, England
** by Fax to +44 (0) 870-7052288
** by E-mail to alan@tennisbookshop.com
Books can be paid for:
** by sterling cheque drawn on a UK bank payable to “Alan Chalmers” or “The Tennis Bookshop”
** by US$ check payable to “Alan Chalmers”
** by Visa, Mastercard or Debit Card (16 numbers, expiry date and three figure code)
** by Paypal to alan@tennisbookshop.com
Books and images in this catalogue are mostly offered at prices which include UK postage; worldwide airmail postage (or surface by request) will be added to invoices as incurred. Images are available for all books so if you would like to see what it looks like before you order, just ask.
TITLES BY LORD (Morys George Lyndhurst) ABERDARE
Lord Aberdare (Born 11 June 1919; died 23 January 2005) was a talented player of Tennis and Rackets with a passionate interest in the history of both sports. His first major Tennis title was published in 1958 and I am sure that the success of that spurred him on to write the major works for which he is so well known in racket sports circles. It has long been agreed that as far as the twentieth century is concerned, Noel and Clark’s “History of Tennis” 1924 and Aberdare’s “Willis Faber Book of Tennis & Rackets” 1980 are the two leading books on their subject.
001: “(The) ROYAL AND ANCIENT GAME OF TENNIS”;
1st edition of 1977 published by The Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum in England in tall narrow 8vo paper covers with 28 pages.
This booklet was part of a short series of informative titles published to celebrate the centenary of the Wimbledon Gentlemen’s Championship. Lord Aberdare writes a short but succinct summary of the game of Tennis, complicated as it always was for most uninitiated people to understand, but he somehow manages to make the game, its character and its terminology comprehensible to all.
This copy is in very good condition and it is offered at £10
002: “(The) STORY OF TENNIS”
1st edition of 1958 published by Stanley Paul & Co. Ltd. in England in small 8vo hardboards and decorative dust-wrapper with 180 pages.
This lovely book traces the history of Real Tennis and the birth of Lawn Tennis in or around 1874. It studies Real Tennis in France, England and elsewhere in the world, and brings us up to date with developments in Lawn Tennis to the mid 1950s. The book contains many ancient images of tennis and tennis courts through the ages.
This copy was previously owned by Lance Tingay, the racket sports correspondent of The Daily Telegraph and is signed internally by him.
This book has a dust-wrapper which has been subject to some minor repairs; it is offered at £20
003 (a): (The) WILLIS FABER BOOK OF TENNIS & RACKETS
The standard edition published in 1980 by Stanley Paul & Co. in England in a large 4to edition of c2500 copies in hardboards and dust-wrapper with 368 pages. There was also a de luxe edition of 250 numbered copies bound in blue leather boards and presented in a blue card slip-case, all copies signed by the author.
This is the finest history of Tennis since Noel and Clark’s iconic 1924 title “A History of Tennis”; Rackets has hardly had a previous history of this depth. Aberdare was a leading player in both sports as was his father, the 3rd Baron. They played together many times with great success. Aberdare’s interest and knowledge of Tennis and Rackets is evident by the enormous amount of historical detail to be found here.
The book is in 3 parts:
Part 1 Tennis and its history
Part 2 Rackets and its history
Part 3 Tennis and Rackets Clubs around the world.
Each part is beautifully illustrated with many engravings and photographs, and Aberdare’s research has turned up much fascinating history. Each sport is analysed on a century by century basis with much information on great champions and matches.
The third part is an alphabetical submission of history and personalities by every one of the locations around the world where Tennis and Rackets were played at the time. The last part of the book is taken up with the Championship Records of both sports.
This book is in very good condition and it is offered (+ postage) at £20
003 (b): (The) WILLIS FABER BOOK OF TENNIS & RACKETS
1 OF 300 COPIES
A facsimile edition of 300 copies published in 1998 by Quiller Press in England, but otherwise exactly as above.
This copy, as do all 300 copies, bears a tipped in book-plate at the pre-title page identifying the book as being one of the 300 copies, and the book-plate is signed "Morys Aberdare".
This book is in very good condition and it is offered (+ postage) at £20
004 (a): “(The) J.T. FABER BOOK OF TENNIS & RACKETS”
1 of 150 COPIES
1st de luxe edition of 2001 published by Quiller Press in England in an edition of 150 numbered copies signed internally by the author; presented in green leatherette boards externally decorated and internally marbled with 415 page all page edges gilt; contained in a green card slip-case. (See photo) (DE)
Aberdare has reworked the whole book with the experience of twenty years and has produced a work of even greater interest and information. In addition the Championships Records have been updated to 2001; and with the book is included Hon. James Bruce’s supplement of 38 pages which brings the Championship Records up to 2010.
This exceptional book is in mint condition and it is offered at £300
004 (b): “(The) J.T. FABER BOOK OF TENNIS & RACKETS”
1st standard edition of 2001 published in by Quiller Press in England in a large 4to edition of 2500 copies in hardboards and dustwrapper with 415 pages. (See photo)
This book is in unused condition and it is offered at a special exhibition price (+ postage) of just £10
TITLES BY MICHAEL PEARSON GARNETT
Garnett’s publishing company “Historical Publications” in Victoria, Australia is almost as prolific as “Ronaldson Publications”, and between them they seem to have mopped up most of the Tennis titles of the last 20 years. In the short section that follows, I have listed only those books that Garnett has written himself rather than the wider range of Tennis books he has also published; these can be found in A to Z order throughout this catalogue.
005: “(A) HISTORY OF ROYAL TENNIS IN AUSTRALIA”
1st edition of 1983 published by Historical Publications in Victoria, Australia in 8vo hardboards and dust-wrapper with 224 pages in an edition of 1000 copies. There was also a de luxe edition of 75 numbered copies. (See photo)
This is Garnett’s first publication on Tennis and as its title suggests, it is a very detailed study of the introduction and development of Tennis into Australia in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Published in three main parts, the first being the building of the Hobart court in 1875. In the second part, from this beginning, the game spread to the mainland of south-east Australia with courts being raised at Ballarat and Melbourne. And the third part consists of a goodly number of short articles on various interesting aspects of the game in Australia through the twentieth century. The book is very well illustrated.
This book is in very good condition and it is offered at £35
006: “ROYAL TENNIS FOR THE RECORD”
1st edition of 1991 published by Historical Publications in Victoria, Australia in small 8vo blue hardboards externally decorated with 110 pages in an edition of 500 copies. (See photo)
This was the precursor to Garnett’s later titles in answer to his dedication to the facts, figures and trivia related to Tennis, or Royal Tennis as it was called in Australia until the name was changed to Real Tennis in recent years. Here can be found lists of courts past and present, the bibliography as it was believed to be at the time, lists of world champions and current top players and much else mostly related to Tennis in Australia.
This book, in very good condition, is signed by the author and it is offered at £35
007: “(A) CHASE DOWN UNDER:
a history of royal tennis in Australia”
1 of 320 COPIES
1st edition of 1999 published by Historical Publications in Victoria, Australia in large 8vo decorative hardboards with 501 pages in an edition of 320 copies. There was also a de luxe edition of c80 numbered copies. (See photo)
You could say this was a much expanded version of “A History of Royal Tennis in Australia”, as Garnett commences his preface by saying “so much has changed in Australian tennis over the past seventeen years, that it is time for an update.” And here it is in all its glory, a massively increased volume with lots of new information, previous texts much expanded and the whole text is now in 9 parts each with several constituent chapters.
Once again you can dip into this book almost anywhere and find plenty of stand-alone pieces full of interest to Tennis players. The long list of Tennis titles has also been expanded as has the list of courts and personalities.
This book is in very good condition and it is offered at £75
008: “TENNIS ANECDOTES AND SKETCHES”
1 of 240 COPIES
1st edition of 2010 published by Historical Publications in Victoria, Australia in 8vo blue or red hardboards externally gilt decorated with 383 pages, each of the two colours in a print run of between 100 and 120 copies. (See photo)
This is Garnett’s latest Tennis title and its very quick sell-out is a testament to the high regard in which he is held in Tennis circles. He has sorted the content into Tennis happenings in France, Britain, Australia, United States, and Europe, finishing with sections on Early Lawn Tennis and finally Fives, Rackets, Badminton and Sticke.
Each section contains a number of stand-alone articles on a wide range of matters of historical interest, mostly illustrated, hence a large number of images. And you can just dive in at any page and find fascinating material all on racket sports, mainly Tennis of course.
Chapter 99 is full of pleasure for me as it is a comprehensive list of Tennis titles since AD160 (seriously) right up to 2010.
I can offer one copy in blue boards and one copy in red boards, each in unused condition at £95
TITLES BY Dr ROGER MORGAN
Born 22 June 1929; died 1 March 2003
009 (a): “TENNIS:
The Development of the European Ball Game”
1 of 100 COPIES
1st de luxe edition of 1985 published by Ronaldson Publications in England in tall 4to hardboards internally marbled and dust-wrapper with 259 pages all page edges gilt in a print run of 100 numbered copies, signed by the author; with a foreword by H.R.H. The Prince Edward. (See photo)
Morgan devoted many years of study into how the game of Tennis and its unique court evolved. It had been thought that Tennis came out of the cloisters of medieval monasteries where it was certainly played. Morgan realised there were problems with that theory and looked elsewhere.
He then began to consider that the game might be older than generally thought and had evolved from a game played in the streets of villages in Italy with boys using the awnings from shop fronts as crude penthouses, down which they rolled their tennis balls. He now proposes that this was where tennis came from and became the game we all know today.
His book is profusely illustrated with a large number of engravings, photos, street plans etc. and all this combines to make a fascinating historical tour.
This book is in unused condition and it is offered at £95
009 (b): “TENNIS:
The Development of the European Ball Game”
The de luxe edition as above. This copy is signed and dedicated internally by Chris Ronaldson and Howard Angus.
This book is otherwise in unused condition and it is offered at £95
009 (c): “TENNIS:
The Development of the European Ball Game”
The standard edition of 1985; otherwise as above in a print run of 1000 copies.
This book is in unused condition and it is offered at £25
010 (a): “TUDOR TENNIS:
A Miscellany”
1 of 50 COPIES
1st de luxe edition of 2001 published by Ronaldson Publications in England in tall 4to red leatherette hardboards and dust-wrapper with 175 pages all page edges gilt in a print run of 50 numbered copies, signed by the author. (See photo)
With a foreword by the Rt. Hon. Lord Aberdare, K.B.E., D.L., Morgan’s grasp and knowledge of the period is substantial as can be seen from his chapter headings: “Tennis Myths and Legends”, “A Fifteenth Century Tennis Court in London”, “The Other London Tennis Courts”, “Sixteenth Century Tennis Courts in France”, “Tennis in Italy”, and so on.
The book is superbly illustrated with photos and diagrams, town plans and early engraving, all with Tennis interest and/or content.
This copy is number 27 of 50; it is in unused condition and it is offered at £150
010 (b): “TUDOR TENNIS:
A Miscellany”
1st standard edition of 2001, otherwise as above.
This book is in unused condition and it is offered at £20
MORE TITLES
011: “ACADEMIE UNIVERSELLE DE JEUX, OU DICTIONNAIRE METHODIQUE ET RAISONNE” Par L. C***, Amateur
Edition of 1825 published by Corbet Aine in France in small 12 mo hard leather boards with 460 pages.
This is an edition of a book which was in publication for the best part of a century appearing in quite a large number of editions, constantly being updated and revised. It is an alphabetical dictionary of the many games played in France at that time. These include indoor card games, outdoor activities and field sports.
“Paume” is at pages 202 to 209 and it talks about Courte and Longue Paume. And here for the first time for me is a sentence which explains the terms used when calling the score, and amongst the terms are two fascinating items, namely: that in this era, the third point was still called “quarante-cinq”, and that the game having been won, “soixante” was called.
There then follows a series of thirty rules of the game which define the important matters to be considered when playing, much of it to do with chases, how to mark them and then how to beat them. The French were much taken up with the bisque system, not often seen in play these days.
This book is in good condition, rather worn externally and a small portion of hardly visible water staining on most pages; it is offered at £100
012 (a): “(The) ANNALS OF TENNIS”
By Julian Marshall (
Born 1836; died 21 November 1903)
THE MOST IMPORTANT ENGLISH LANGUAGE BOOK ON TENNIS IN THE 19th CENTURY
1st edition of 1878 published by The Field in England in small 4to dark red hardboards externally gilt decorated with 226 pages. (DE) (See photo)
Copies have also been seen in green, blue, and black boards. The probable reason for this is as a result of a phenomenon extant in late Victorian times. This book remained in publication for around 30 years. What probably happened is that the initial print run was published in green boards, by far the most common colour seen, and it eventually sold out but the book continued to be advertised. Printers in those days would often print sufficient quires for the first print run and a surplus quantity. They would then warehouse additional orders until they had accumulated sufficient to make it worth their while to cut and bind an additional quantity, which was then bound into a different coloured board.
This is certainly the most important English language book on Tennis of the nineteenth century and it is often quoted or referred to in later Tennis titles. (The first English book of the nineteenth century was Lukin’s “A Treatise on Tennis” of 1822 but there was nothing of note in between these titles, thus a gap of some 56 years).
Marshall was a great exponent of Tennis and won the M.C.C. Silver Racquet in 1867, its first year; he was also Rackets champion at Harrow. In later life he was Secretary of the All England Lawn Tennis Club and on the committee which set up the first Wimbledon Championship in 1877. In 1886 he was Championships referee for that year. He was also a great expert on the rules of Lawn Tennis and produced several editions as the rules changed.
His book is a very competent study of the subject written in five chapters; it is a coming together of a series of stand-alone articles written by Marshall and published over a period in The Field magazine.
“Tennis Abroad” talks about the game as played in Europe, mostly France, through the ages.
“Tennis in England” is very interesting as it traces all he has learned about the game in England from the earliest times. This must have been a tough job as English Tennis is not well documented as at the mid-nineteenth century.
“The Court and the Implements” is where he makes extensive use of the engravings in the de Garsault and talks much about the development and the manufacture of the ball and the racket.
“The Laws and Their History” discusses at length the derivation of fifteens in Tennis and of course the system of chases, going back as far as Scaino (1555). And finally in this chapter he lists the definitions and laws as at 1878.
“The Game” describes how to play the game; style, strategy and tactics are much discussed. Each of the strokes in Tennis is discussed and described, and recommendations as to the appropriate stroke in certain circumstances can be found here.
This copy is in good condition, external colours sharp and clear; it is offered at £1750
012 (b): “(The) ANNALS OF TENNIS”
1st facsimile edition of 1973 published by Racquet Sports Information & Services Inc. in the USA in small 4to green and gilt decorated boards with 226 pages.
This book is in unused condition and it is offered at £95
013 (a): “L’ ART DU PAUMIER-RAQUETIER ET DE LA PAUME”
By Francois Alexandre Pierre de Garsault (Born 1691; died 1776).
THE 18th CENTURY FRENCH TITLE WITH THE FAMOUS WOOD ENGRAVINGS
1st French edition of 1767 published as an integral part of “Description des Arts et metiers, faite ou approve par MM De L’Academie des Sciences” in a series of large volumes between 1761 and 1789. The first French edition was dated 1767 and there was a later edition. There is also a German language edition called “Die Kunst der Ball-und Raquettenmacher und vom Ballspiele” published in 1768. It is exceptionally rare. (DE)
This item is a large folio size with 38 pages of text and 5 large engravings. It is very attractively bound into slightly later marbled boards and leatherette spine. Its contents are:
AVANT-PROPOS preface/introduction
DU BATIMENT NOMME the dimensions of the court and its constituent parts, e.g. dedans, grille, galerie, tambour
DE L’ART DU PAUMIER-RAQUETIER the tools needed to make the racket and the stages through which the racket goes
DE LA BALLE how to make the ball
ART DE LA PAUME advice on how to play and a glossary of terms used
Then follows an explanation and description of the five large plates/planches which are such familiar sights on the walls of many Real Tennis clubs.
Planche l: the floor plans of the two courts of Paume, Le Jeu Quarre and le Jeu a Dedans
Planche ll: a view from the dedans, and the various benches required by the Paumier to make the racket
Planche lll: a view from the side galleries, and the various hand tools required by the Paumier to make the racket
Planche lV: a view of the Paumier making the racket and the stages through which it goes while being made
Planche V: the finished racket, method of stringing the racket, and method of binding the ball
It should be remembered that this publication is not so much a coaching manual, rather it is a series of instructions to the Paumier on how to make the racket.
The whole item is in very good condition, showing a small amount of water staining on the lower edges of the pages with no migration into the text and only the very slightest migration into the last plate. It is offered at £4000
013 (b): “(The) ART OF THE TENNIS-RACKET-MAKER AND OF TENNIS”
1 of 200 COPIES
1st English translation of 1938 by Catherine W. Leftwich, B.A., published by the Royal Tennis Court in small 4to red hardboards, originally wrapped in a clear cellophane, with 50 pages in an edition of 200 numbered copies, the first 150 of which were reserved for members of the RTC. The crest of the RTC is handsomely embossed on the front board in gold blocking. (See photo)
The translation shows just how similar the game in 1767 was as to how it was played in the late 1930s and indeed as it is still played today, even down to the fact that the choice of server was decided by the spin of the racket and the call of rough or smooth.
This copy is number 3/150 so very much the earliest number I have seen. All copies are signed internally by C(hristopher) B. Gabriel, the Hon Sec. and Treasurer of the RTC. In addition this copy bears the following inscription on the front end paper: “
“E. Latham
with best wishes
Revelstoke
June 16 1938”
Frank “Emil” Latham was the son of Peter Latham, the World Tennis Champion 1895-1907, and World Rackets Champion 1887-1902; he is the only man to hold both championships simultaneously. Frank was nicknamed “Emil” and this is believed to acknowledge the dominance of Frenchman Pierre Etchebaster as it was fashionable for some Professionals to adopt a French name.
Frank trained at Lord’s and in 1920 went to Paris as Professional, establishing good French connections. From 1927 to 1937, he was back at Lord’s and in 1933 he won the Browning Cup. He was listed as playing for Petworth in 1939, though it is unclear whether he was at Petworth in 1938 when this book was dedicated.
Lord Revelstoke was then the owner of Lambay Island and its court, thus a very important man in 1930s Tennis circles.
Employment for Latham at Petworth ended abruptly with the onset of the 2nd World War. He re-emerges once more at Lord’s in the 1950s, and attended the reopening of the Petworth Court in April 1960, where he occasionally marked matches until his death in 1964.
This book is in lovely condition and it is offered at £250
013 (c): “(The) ART OF THE TENNIS-RACKET-MAKER AND OF TENNIS”
Facsimile of the 1938 edition published by Racquet Sports Information Service in the USA; virtually identical to the 1938 edition but in a print run of 750 numbered copies and with a less ornate emblem on the outside of the front board. Dedicated to the International Tennis Hall of Fame and also contains a page of Historical Notes. It is further presented in a matching red card slip-case.
This book is in unused condition and it is offered at £95
014: “ATHLETIC SPORTS, TENNIS, RACKETS AND OTHER BALL GAMES”
EXCELLENT RACKETS AND TENNIS CONTENT
1st edition of c1936 published by Sports & Sportsmen Ltd. in England presented in elephant folio size in plush red leather boards and elaborate gilt engraved spine with 421 pages, all page edges gilt. The authors of the various articles are not identified.
This book is part of a large series of similar books on the whole range of field and athletic sports, edited in conjunction with The Sporting Life. It is a most elaborate publication and would grace any library. It was published in two editions, namely an edition grand de luxe of c200 copies and this the standard edition of 1000 numbered copies.
The sports covered are many forms of running, jumping, throwing etc.; then the Olympic Games, Boxing, Swimming, and Fencing. Following these are the racket sports of Tennis, Lawn Tennis, Rackets, Squash Rackets, Fives and Badminton; then Bowls, Croquet, and finally Highland Games.
The book is illustrated with magnificent portraits of great exponents of the game (each protected with a tissue guard), as well as occasional line diagrams. The Racket Sports sections start with a splendid history of Tennis suggesting that the game became established in England around the end of the fourteenth century and the European dominance is described. As with all the sports covered in this book, there is a very large number of famous names mentioned. These are mainly players who featured in the great competitions, but historically, the Tennis section lists players as far back as 1800.
The Lawn Tennis section is an excellent history, as the game can be identified as starting at an almost exact date, whereas Tennis gradually evolved over many centuries. The very earliest competitions are described as are the various changes in the rules of the game; there were several important changes in that period until the rules settled down into what we know today. Clearly the Wimbledon Championships take up much of the text.
The Rackets section is a rare text, and the Squash-Rackets section is an early text. Neither of these sports was well endowed with books etc. at that time. The early history of Rackets from the late eighteenth century onwards is always an interesting read for Rackets players. There is a great many championship match results here. Similarly Squash-Rackets, which had the shortest history of these racket sports, states that Rugby School is the originator of the game! That is a new theory to me.
I have never read about the Grasmere and Highland Sports but here are two articles describing them.
And finally there is a section called “Some Notable Personalities” with player biographies including Lord (Clarence) Aberdare, E. M. Baerlein, and H E Crawley (Tennis and Rackets), H W Austin, H Roper Barrett, and W C Crawley (Lawn Tennis), and Victor Cazalet (Squash-Rackets), and many other greats from the wide range of sports detailed in this book.
This copy is in very good condition and it is offered (+ postage) at £175
015: “BALL, BAT AND BISHOP:
The Origin of Ball Games”
By Robert W. Henderson (
Born 25 December 1888; died 18 August 1985)
1st edition of 1947 published by Rockport Press, Inc. in the USA in 8vo hardboards and highly decorative dust-wrapper with 220 pages. (DE)
As the fly-leaf says (and I could not): “Here is the story of baseball from Thotmes lll, King of Egypt in ancient days, to Babe Ruth, King of Swat in modern times, intertwined with the stories of tennis, football, and other sports. Now, for the first time, we have the whole fascinating story showing without a shadow of doubt that all competitive ball games came from one common source: an ancient fertility rite observed by Priest-Kings in the Egypt of the Pyramids.” You read it here and now you know!
There are 26 chapters each dealing with origins, different sports especially Tennis, Racquets and Lawn Tennis, and of course Baseball, all mostly from an American point of view. Henderson was a scholar who became the Librarian at the Racquet & Tennis Club (NY) where his name is still mentioned with great reverence. He published many articles on ball sports and constructed the Bibliographies of Tennis and Lawn Tennis as published In Malcolm Whitman’s fine book “Tennis Origins and Mysteries” (see below).
With this book is a typed letter signed by Henderson from the Racquet & Tennis Club sent with this copy of the book in 1971.
This copy is in very good condition as is the delightful dust-wrapper and it is offered at £200
016: “(The) BANDIES OF FORTUNE:
Perceptions of Real Tennis from Medieval to Modern Times”
By Geoffrey G. Hiller
1 of 300 COPIES
1st edition of 2009 published by Ronaldson Publications in England in small 8vo hardboards in dust-wrapper with 196 pages in a print run of 300 copies. There was also a de luxe edition of 50 numbered copies. (See photo)
With a foreword by H.R.H. The Prince Edward and a preface by the author, this is a scholarly treatise highlighting and examining the many references to Tennis in English literature over the centuries. Most Tennis people are aware of Shakespeare’s occasional references but our language is actually much fuller of Tennis than most might think.
Chapter headings to tease your brain include:
1: Introductory…tennis past and present
2: The Tennis balls episode in Shakespeare’s Henry V
3: The medieval beginnings
4: Attitudes to tennis in the Renaissance
5: Tennis as imagery and metaphor in the Renaissance
6: Post Renaissance to the rise of lawn tennis
7: Perceptions of tennis from 1874 to the present
There are some beautiful photographs; also included is an index to the Allusions to Tennis in English Literature.
This book is in unused condition and it is offered at £25
017: “(THE) BOOK OF RACQUETS:
A Practical Guide
To
the Game and Its History
And to
The Different Courts in which it is Played”
By J.R. Atkins
THE VERY RARE AND THE ONLY 19th CENTURY BOOK ON RACKETS/RACQUETS
1st edition of 1872 published by Frederick Warne and Co. in England (and by Scribner, Welford in the USA) in small 8vo highly decorative boards with 108 pages. (I have never seen a USA edition. Has anyone?)
This copy is in predominately dark red boards. I have seen it in similarly highly decorative but predominately blue boards. A facsimile edition of 250 numbered copies was published in 1981 by Racquetier Publications Ltd. in England. (See photo) (DE)
Rackets/Racquets is a sport which has fewer than ten titles exclusively on the subject, though there are a few more which carry sections on the sport along with other racket sports. So this title is the black tulip for Rackets/Racquets collectors. It is the only book on the sport of the nineteenth century and bearing in mind the sport was first played towards the end of the eighteenth century, it was almost one hundred years before this the first title appeared.
The book’s contents are as follows:
A preface dated London, April, 1872 apparently written by an unnamed person
CHAPTER l: Historical Introduction
CHAPTER ll: The Courts and the Game
CHAPTER lll: The Close Court
CHAPTER lV: Various Courts, Viz: The Open Side-wall Court; The Grand Match Gallery Court; The American Wooden Court; The Tent
Court; The Covered Open or Tournament Court; and the Gaslight Close Court
CHAPTER V: Domestic and School Courts
CHAPTER Vl: Costume and Training
CHAPTER Vll: Racquets, Balls, and “Bats”
The book’s 108 pages are crammed full with the sum total of the information and wisdom acquired by this experienced Rackets professional over many years of coaching. His descriptions of the various types of court at Chapter lV are fascinating to those who think Rackets was always played in a large closed and roofed court.
It is interesting to note the regular use of the word “Racquet” to denote the game rather than today’s more acceptable word “Racquets”. I will not interfere in the spelling of the word as “Racquets” or “Rackets” save to say that the former seems to be the American term whereas the latter is the English term.
This copy is in very good condition internally; externally it is somewhat worn and darkened though the marvellous external Rackets cartouches are clearly seen. Please contact me for pricing details.
018: “(The) BOOK OF SPORTS”
Edited by William Patten
WITH EXCELLENT RACKETS/RACQUETS AND TENNIS CONTENT; 1 of 450 COPIES
Edition de grande luxe of 1901 published by J.F. Taylor & Company in the USA in elephant folio hardboards with 411 pages in an edition of 450 copies.
This magnificent huge book is a classic “book for upper class gentlemen” who were resident on the Eastern seaboard of the USA. Here can be found everything you need to know about the way of gentlemen in the sporting field, including Golf, Polo, and Fox-Hunting.
In addition, there are substantial chapters on Court-Tennis, Racquets, Hand-Fives and Squash-Racquets. Also there are chapters about the leading racquet sports clubs of the area including the Racquet & Tennis Club (New York), Tuxedo, Boston, and Philadelphia.
Each chapter is written by well-known players of the day, thus Eustace Miles, T. Suffern Taylor, Edward La Montagne, and H.H. Hunnewell Jr.
Taking one amazing fact out by random choice, La Montagne opens his chapter on “Racquets in New York and Its Players” with the words: “The first Racquet Court I found in New York was in 1848. It was located in Allen Street, off the Bowery and I was told it was one of the English relics.”
The various chapters on the Racquet and Tennis Clubs are absolutely full of early memories and history as well as lists of champions at both Tennis and Racquets. And as a bonus there are many photos of leading players at the turn of the nineteenth to the twentieth centuries, as well as lovely engravings showing scenes on the courts.
This book is in very good condition; it would make a great addition to any racket sports library and it is offered at £250
019: “(The) BOOK OF THE BALL”
By Alfred Ernest Crawley (
Born 11 July 1869; died 21 October 1924)
1st edition of 1913 published by Methuen & Co. Ltd in England in small 8vo red hardboards with 220 pages and 31 pages of advertisements. (See photo) (DE)
This is an odd book as far as the choice of subject is concerned. It is a study of the ball and its properties in a wide range of sports which include the racket sports such as pallone, pelota, tennis, fives, rackets, and lawn tennis.
The ball is analysed as to its natural history, propulsion, impact, flight, trajectories, rotation, swerves in the air, breaks from the ground, etc. Famous exponents who contribute to this lovely book include Peter Latham and Edgar Baerlein.
There is lots of good ball play history here and some interesting photographs and diagrams.
This book is quite rare and this copy is in overall very good condition, slightly foxed internally; it is offered at £250
020: “(A) CELEBRATION OF THE FIRST 25 YEARS OF THE BRISTOL & BATH TENNIS CLUB 1985 to 2010”
A RECENTLY PUBLISHED CLUB HISTORY
1st edition of 2011 published by the Bristol & Bath Tennis Club in England in small 8vo paper covers with 52 pages. (See photo)
The first meeting to discuss the formation of the club was held on 16th December 1985 in the home of John Barford in Clifton. And it was Clifton that became the site for the new court which was not to be opened for another thirteen years with actual building commencing in April 1997. The official opening was on 14th February 1998 when H.R.H. The Prince Edward unveiled the commemorative plaque and then struck the first service.
Before the court was built, the BBTC was a peripatetic club using the Hardwick House court as its home base. Many matches were played there and I have good memories of the hospitality offered!
The book continues after the opening of the court and details the various stages of progress from building up its membership from scratch, mostly with new players, and then some of the team visits both home and away; then the appointment of the Professional Kevin King soon to be supported by Charlotte Cornwallis as Aspro,
This is a very good story of achievement by a small number of utterly dedicated men with a vision which eventually and to their great credit became a reality. Well done to them all.
This copy is in unused condition and it is offered at £15
021: “(The) CENTENARY OF THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS RACKETS CHAMPIONSHIPS 1868-1968”
1st edition of 1969 published by The Tennis and Rackets Association in England in landscape (broad) 8vo paper covers with 35 pages.
For followers of Rackets/Racquets, this is a rare title on their game. The first sections discuss various aspect of the game with such writers as Baerlein, Layman, Faber, Greenwood, Angus and Crawley. Matters covered include early courts, the professionals, memories of great matches etc. In addition there are photos of quite a few of the iconic names in Rackets, mostly as very young men.
Finally there is the complete record of the major Public Schools competitions since inception, thus the Schools Pairs for Charterhouse, Cheltenham, Clifton, Eton, Haileybury, Harrow, Malvern, Marlborough, Radley, Rugby, Rossall, RNC Dartmouth, Tonbridge, Wellington, Winchester, and Westminster. And finally the winners and the runners-up since 1868 of the Public Schools Doubles.
This book is in very good condition, quite rare, and it is offered at £50
022: “COURT ON CANVAS: TENNIS IN ART”
By Ann Sumner et al
The exhibition catalogue published in 2011 by The Barber Institute of Fine Arts at the University of Birmingham to document their magnificent exhibition of original art depicting the game of Lawn Tennis from its earliest days to the modern era. The book is in large 4to paper covers in landscape format with 167 pages. (See photo)
Although there is no inclusion of Real Tennis or Rackets images, this is an important title for lovers and collectors of racket sports pictures and other art forms. It is very surprising to learn that in fact Lawn Tennis is very well supplied with original art with oils, watercolours, lithographs, engravings, photos and much more. Famous artist names include Lavery, Bateman, Hayllar, Hockney, Lowry, Pissarro, and others.
Examples of works by all these artists and many others were included in the exhibition which ran through the summer of 2011, and most are illustrated here with accompanying notes.
This book is in unused condition and it is offered at £15
023: “COURT TENNIS, RACQUETS AND SQUASH”
By Frederick Charles Tompkins
1st edition of April 1909 published by J.B. Lippincott Company in the USA in 16mo blue hardboards with 115 pages. Also seen in red hardboards. Internally this book is also titled “COURT TENNIS with notes on Racquets and Squash-Racquets”. (See photo) (DE)
The author is described as “Instructor to the Philadelphia Racquet Club, U.S.A., to His Grace the late Duke of Wellington, Strathfieldsaye, England; to the Royal Tennis Court, Brighton, England; to Prince’s Tennis and Racquet Club, London, England; to the Royal Naval Officers Court, Malta; to the Army Racquet Court, Curragh Camp, Ireland.” So obviously a very busy man!
This little book concentrates mostly on Court (or Real) Tennis and its first 100 pages on are on that sport. He deals with the
“Court and Accessories”
“Theory of Play and Scoring”
“Form”
“Services”
“General Hints”
There is also a glossary of terms used.
Racquets takes up 10 pages, and finally Squash-Racquets takes up nearly 5 pages. The Tennis section is very well illustrated with photos of the author demonstrating the shots.
This little book is in good condition, a little worn externally and it is offered at £175
024: “DISTURB’D WITH CHACES:
Tennis Courts, Celebrities and Scandals of Yesteryear”
By David Best and Brian Rich
1 of 300 COPIES
1st standard edition of 2009 published by Ronaldson Publications in England in tall 4to hardboards and dust-wrapper with 240 pages in a print run of 300 copies. There was also a de luxe edition of 50 numbered copies. (See photo)
The authors are both very competent Tennis players and highly knowledgeable on their subject. This lovely book is a large collection of Tennis trivia and miscellanea from across the centuries. It is one of those books into which you can dip at random and guarantee to find a short story which will entertain you.
Chapter headings tell their own story and amongst those, you will find
“The Mysteries of the Haymarket”
“The Tennis Courts of Lincoln’s Inn”
“The Prince’s Club”
“The Tennis Courts of Bristol”
“Fives in Tennis Courts”
“Pugilism in Tennis Courts”
“Troublesome Services”
“Julian Marshall”, and more.
The pages are peppered with short but amazing stories mostly never previously published. And here you will also find facts about many now defunct Tennis courts, the existence of which was long forgotten. The book is beautifully illustrated with a huge number of photos and other images from Tennis history.
This book is in unused condition and it is offered at £30
025: “(The) FIRST & THE FOREMOST: A Gallery of Champions”
By Kathryn McNicoll
THE HISTORY OF THE REAL TENNIS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SINCE 1740; 1 of 350 COPIES
1st edition of 2010 published by Ronaldson Publications in England in large 4to hardboards and dust-wrapper with 218 pages in a print run of 350 copies. There was also a de luxe edition of 53 numbered copies. (See photo)
This was a book which was desperately needed as it recounts the history of the World title going all the way back to around 1740 with Clerge.
The chapter headings are:
History of the Men’s Championships
The Early Matches
And here are the champions and the years they held the ultimate title:
Rene Clerge c1740
Antoine-Henry Masson c1765
Joseph Barcellon c1785
Jean-Etienne Marchisio 1816-11819
Philip Cox 1819-11829
Jacques-Edmond Barre 1829-1862
Edmund Tompkins 1862-1871
George Lambert 1871-1885
Tom Pettitt 1885-1890
Charles Saunders 1891-1895
Peter Latham 1895-1905, 1907-1908
Cecil “Punch” Fairs 1905-1907, 1908-1912
Fred Covey 1912-1914, 1915-1928
Jay Gould 1914-1915
Pierre Etchebaster 1918-1954
Jim Dear 1955-1957
Albert (Jack) Johnson 1957-1959
Northrup Knox 1959-1969
Pete Bostwick 1969-1972
Jimmy Bostwick 1972-1975
Howard Angus1976-1981
Chris Ronaldson 1981-1987
Wayne Davies 1987-1994
Rob Fahey 1994-2012
The Men’s Challengers
The Ladies’ Championship
and finally three appendices
Each champion has his dates of birth and death, and the years he held the title. Each champion also is the study of a short biography mainly focusing on his Tennis career, with details of the important matches in his challenge series. The book is nicely illustrated with plenty of portrait photos of these great names.
This book is in unused condition and it is offered at £45
026: “(The) FIRST BEAUTIFUL GAME: Stories of obsession in Real Tennis”
By Roman Krznaric.
1st edition of 2006 published by Ronaldson Publications in England in 8vo paper covers with 181 pages in a print run of 670 copies. There was also a de luxe edition of 70 copies. (See photo)
Krznaric is a top ranked player at Oxford and has a deep knowledge of the game, which is evident by reading this fascinating book. It can be read from cover to cover or by dipping in at chapter headings. The contents are a marvellous amalgam of all that is strange, odd and yet interesting in Tennis throughout its long history.
Chapter headings include:
The Wordless Conversation
From Abbots to Zealots
Life in Court
Serving to Gentlemen
The Missionary
Adventures with my Father
As Roman says: “Bent rackets, painted crowns, penthouses and giraffes, hand-stitched balls that ricochet around a court shaped like a medieval cloister, fanatical players dedicated to a sport that has hardly changed for centuries….welcome to Real Tennis.”
This book is in unused condition and it is offered at £15
027: “(The) FIRST FIFTY YEARS: a Jubilee History of the Old Etonian Racquets and Tennis Club 1960-2010”
By John Ford
1st edition of 2011 published by the OERTC in England in 4to paper covers with 56 pages. (See photo)
From a very small beginning in 1960, the OERTC has grown and grown to the extent that it now has some 1300 members, who play all the racket sports, either in OERTC competitions or when representing the OERTC in matches against other clubs. It is clear that Richard Greenwood has been the driving force behind the success of the club acting in many capacities, and his dedication to the task is evident. There are lots of records of champions etc.
This book is in unused condition and it is offered at £10
028 (a): “FRED COVEY: WORLD CHAMPION OF TENNIS”
Born 11 November 1881; died 26 July 1957
Edited by Neil Covey
1 of 60 COPIES
1st de luxe edition of 1994 published by Ronaldson Publications in England in tall 4to leatherette boards internally marbled with 125 pages all edges gilt in a print run of 60 numbered copies all signed by the editor. (See photo)
This book is a tribute from a grandson to a grandfather. Geoffrey Frederick Covey became World Champion in 1912 and held that championship for all but one year upto 1928. He was one of a great trio of World Champions flanked on one side by Peter Latham and on the other by Pierre Etchebaster. All three played some memorable matches when defending their title and this is evidenced by the considerable press coverage which makes up this book.
Covey clearly had a consuming interest in any such coverage which involved his matches and he kept very comprehensive scrap-books. These have been fully used by his grandson as can be seen by reading through the huge number of cuttings. These and the many photos accurately chart Covey’s Tennis career both as a leading figure at Lady Wentworth’s Crabbet Park court and in his quest for and retention of the world title.
This copy is in as issued condition and it is offered at £75
028 (b): “FRED COVEY: WORLD CHAMPION OF TENNIS”
1 of 100 COPIES
1st standard edition of 1994 published by Ronaldson Publications in England in tall 4to hardboards and dust-wrapper with 125 pages in a print run of 100 copies.
This book is in as issued condition and it is offered at £25
029: “FROM PILLAR TO POST: Chapters on the History of Real Tennis”
Edited by Geoffrey Hiller
1 of 360 COPIES
1st edition of 2007 published by Oryx Publishing in Victoria, Australia in small 8vo hard pictorial boards with 161 pages in a print run of 360 copies. There was also a de luxe edition of 40 copies. (See photo)
The five chapters which make up the bulk of this book are based on a series of talks given at the Royal Melbourne Tennis Club in 2005/6 by Richard Travers on
Pierre Etchebaster
Jay Gould and Eustace Miles
Neville Lytton, Judith Blunt and Fred Covey of Crabbet Park
and then by Geoffrey Hiller on
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Literary and Popular Notions of Real Tennis from Medieval to Modern Times
and finally by Graham Hyland on
Tennis Memories, Tennis Style
In addition there are four complimentary appendices.
There is much here to interest and educate the tennis historian about some of the most famous and skilful Tennis players of the early part of the twentieth century.
This book is in unused condition and it is offered at £40
030: “(The) GAME OF TENNIS: Its History and Its Description”
By Eugene Chapus
With an introductory essay by Edouard Fournier (Born 1819; died 1880)
THE MOST IMPORTANT FRENCH LANGUAGE BOOK ON TENNIS IN THE 19th CENTURY; 1 OF 350 COPIES
This is the English translation by Richard Travers from the original title of 1862 called “Le Jeu de Paume: Son Histoire et Sa Description” published by Didier & Cie. in Paris. This English translation was published by Historical Publications in Victoria, Australia in November 2006 in a print run of 350 copies. It is in large 8vo brown leatherette boards externally gilt decorated and with 94 pages. (See photo)
The French edition of 1862 is an exceptionally rare title appearing in two formats, the first being a larger (small 4to) with 14 (or 16) tipped-in plates, and the second being a smaller (about 8vo) with 6 (or 8) tipped-in plates, both in a variety of board colourings..
The book is an historical treatise on Le Jeu de Paume and is also an important source of information on many of the Paumiers of the period, both French and English, and locations of courts. The rules are included as are hints on how to play the game. And finally the full set of plates is reproduced throughout the book.
This book is in unused condition and it is offered at £100
031: “GAMES AND SPORTS;
Being an appendix to
MANLY EXERCISES AND EXERCISES FOR LADIES
Containing the various in-door games and sports, the out-of-door games and sports, those of the season &c.”
By Donald Walker
ILLUSTRATING & DESCRIBING LAWN TENNIS DOUBLES 35 YEARS BEFORE IT WAS INVENTED BY MAJOR WINGFIELD!
Edition of 1837 in 12mo hardboards with 388 pages all page edges gilt. Several editions of this book were published between 1830 and 1865 each with differing content. This edition of 1837 is the only one with racket sports content. (DE)
There are many editions of English and French books in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries which deal with multiple sports and games. This one however stands out a mile from the rest as a major title on the racket sports. The reasons for this are:
1: It has unique engravings of “Racket” (sic), “Tennis” and “Long or Open Tennis”.
2: It was published in a period from 1822 (Lukin) to 1872 (Atkins) when there was no other title on any of these three sports.
3: It is the first major tract on Rackets/Racquets, here called “Racket”.
4: It describes (pages 298 to 307) and illustrates (opposite page 298) this mysterious sport called “Long or Open Tennis”.
Longue Paume had been played in Europe for many years but Long Tennis is nothing like Longue Paume. Looking at the engraving, it is quite clear that what is being played is a men’s doubles on open ground in what can only be an early form of Lawn Tennis. The principles of play are taken straight from the (Real) Tennis court as were the principles of play in 1873/4 when Lawn Tennis was invented by Major Wingfield.
In this 1837 version (36 years before Wingfield had his eureka moment!), strings on short poles are set up to delineate the field of play outside of which the players may not stray, as if the strings were there to mark out where the walls on the Real Tennis court were. The scoring system remains the same, i.e. points of 15 upto 4 points or 60, thus game won, and many of the playing rules of Real Tennis are adopted, save for chases.
The section on Racket (sic) is pages 255 to 257 with as early an engraving of the game as you will find anywhere.
The pages also contain a short but important paragraph on Fives; for me this is the earliest text on Fives so far.
The section on Tennis is from pages 258 to 297 and it contains an action engraving as well as a delineated floor plan. There is introductory text such as spinning the racket to decide service, and then much advice on how to play the shots, handicaps and bisques and then the rules of play.
I regard this quite rare book as the missing link between early 19th century racket sports and the 1870s, when both Wingfield and Marshall marked out that decade as the pivotal decade for Lawn and Real Tennis.
The racket sports sections take up 52 pages of the 388 pages; other sports covered include a whole range of indoor games for people of all ages, as well as golf, football, curling and much more.
This copy is in very good condition in probably contemporary boards; it is offered at £500
032: “HANDBOOK OF TENNIS, RACKETS & FIVES”
THE FIRST TENNIS & RACKETS ASSOCIATION PUBLICATION
1st edition of 1912 published by Mudie & Sons Ltd. in England for the Tennis & Rackets Association in 12mo blue hardboards with 48 pages. Alternatively tilted internally “The Games of Tennis, Rackets & Fives. A Handbook”. (See photo)
There is no obvious author’s name but I suspect E.B. Noel had quite a hand in this little and very rare book. It appears to be the first publication issued by the newly formed T & RA and as such it sets out the various rules of the T & RA as well as for Tennis, Rackets, Squash Rackets and Fives.
It announces the recent formation of the T & RA (1907), and then lists the T & RA’s rules and list of members. It is interesting to note how many private courts there were still in use at that time. The laws of Tennis follow, then the section on Rackets with a brief history and then the laws followed by a list of courts.
Here can be found what I suspect is the first proper format of the laws of Squash-Rackets where the book acknowledges that the rules at the time tended to be the local rules as used at the small number of courts where squash was played.
And finally there is a section on Eton and Rugby Fives and this section is mostly attributed to A.C. Ainger who also wrote the Fives chapters in the volume called “Tennis: Lawn Tennis: Rackets: Fives” of 1890 and later editions. All four sports are illustrated with a court diagram, that for Tennis being a fold-out page.
This copy is in very good condition with a previous owner’s pencilled signature internally; it is offered at £375
033 (a): “(A) HISTORY OF TENNIS”
By Evan Baillie Noel (
Born 23 January 1879; died 22 December 1928)
&
James Oscar Max Clark (
Born 26 September 1877; died 2 October 1958)
THE PIVOTAL TENNIS BOOK OF THE 2Oth CENTURY; 1 OF 345 SETS
1st edition of 1924 published by The Oxford University Press in England in two large 4to volumes in grey dust-wrappers with coloured engraving tipped onto the front cover, volume 1 with 281 pages and volume 2 with 299 pages. (See photo) (DE)
There was also a special de luxe edition of 20 sets, some bound into green leather boards. These were specially produced for Clark who gave most of them away to those who had helped with the financing of the book and the search for detail. It seems that Clark (owner of the court at Troon) had arranged the finance etc., while Noel did most of the work, travel and writing.
When originally published, the books were in a print run of 800 sets at five guineas. After about ten years, the OUP decided that, having failed to sell many even at the heavily discounted price of half a guinea, the balance was then pulped. That fact means that the original print run of 800 is now a print run of about 345 sets.
This book is the most significant title on Tennis since Marshall’s “Annals of Tennis” in 1878 and its authority lasts all the way up to Lord Aberdare’s “Willis Faber Book of Tennis & Rackets” of 1980, despite the fact that the history stops at 1924.
I believe that the various chapters had been published previously as stand-alone articles in The Times, the Morning Post, the National Review and The Field between the years 1910 and 1922. It is presented in 12 parts (Xll) as follows:
Volume 1:
Part l: The Early History of Tennis upto 1800
Part ll: General History of English Tennis Since 1800
Part lll: General Sketch of French and Continental Tennis Since 1800
Part lV: Tennis in Australasia
Part V: Tennis in America
Part Vl: History of the Championship up to January 1923
Part Vll: History of Amateur Championships with Careers of the Winners
Part Vlll: History of the University Matches
Volume 2:
Part lX: The Literature of Tennis
Part X: The Laws of Tennis
Part Xl: Modern Improvements in the Implements of the Game, and the Construction of Courts
Part Xll: Hints on the Game …and Remarkable Feats; Handicaps and Handicapping
Appendix 1: Tennis Courts and Clubs of the World
Appendix ll: Winners of Events
Appendix lll: Professional Players, Masters, Keepers and managers of Courts; Tennis Families
Appendix lV: A Register of Some of the Best Known Amateur Tennis Players; Tennis Families
Appendix V: Dimensions of Courts (large fold-out chart of known court dimensions)
Appendix Vl: The Season of 1923
Appendix Vll: The Name and System of Scoring of Tennis (by A.E. Crawley)
The books are heavily illustrated with engravings and photos, mostly showing famous players in action or as portraits.
In twenty-five years of dealing, this is only the second set I have seen in the original dust-wrappers, which to me is very significant. The habit in those days was generally to discard the dust-wrappers as soon as the books were ready to go on the shelf at home.
This set is in its original and extremely rare dust-wrappers; on volume 1, the dust-wrapper has slight loss at the top of the front board and the spine. Otherwise the books are in very good condition and are offered at £2500
033 (b): “(A) HISTORY OF TENNIS”
1 OF 45 COPIES
De Luxe edition of 1991 published by Gerald Duckworth & Co. Ltd in England in an edition of 150 numbered copies. The book is presented in beautiful blue leather boards, the spine being ribbed and gilt decorated with the title and authors. Internally the boards are luxuriously marbled and all page edges are gilt. The book is presented in a blue card slip-case. (See photo) (DE)
Whereas this was advertised as a run of 150 copies, the reality was that the book was not a success. Initially Duckworth printed the pages for all 150 copies but only cut and bound 45 copies. When I approached them several years after 1991 to buy more copies, they informed me that they had pulped all the remainder pages in order to save space in their warehouse.
On the page where the list of past Tennis Champions of the World is listed can be found the signatures of the World Champions still living at 1991. These were
Jack Johnson (1957)
Norty Knox (1959)
Pete Bostwick (1969)
Jimmy Bostwick (1972)
Howard Angus (1976)
Chris Ronaldson (1981)
Wayne Davies (1987).
And yes when Duckworth pulped the unsolds, they also pulped all the remaining signed sheets, sheets signed by seven world champions!
This copy is in beautiful condition and as one of 45 copies, it is offered at £975
033 (c):
“(A) HISTORY OF TENNIS”
1st facsimile edition of 1991 published by Gerald Duckworth & Co. Ltd. in England in one large 4to volume in a print run of 800 copies.
This copy is in unused condition and it is offered (+ postage) at £100
034: “(The) HISTORY OF THE LEAMINGTON TENNIS COURT CLUB 1846-1996
By Charles Wade
HISTORY OF THE OLDEST REAL TENNIS CLUB IN THE WORLD; 1 of 60 COPIES
1st de luxe edition of 1996 published by Ronaldson Publications in England in 8vo hardboards and dust-wrapper with 213 pages, all page edges gilt, in a print run of 60 numbered copies, signed by the author. There was also a standard edition in a print run of 550 copies. (See photo) (DE)
This is easily the oldest members’ Tennis club in the UK and Leamington’s history since foundation in 1846 makes very interesting reading. Queen Victoria had not yet been on the throne for ten years when this old club was formed at Bedford Street. If you were in trade, you had no chance of joining the exclusive club, where women were unwelcome until only a few years ago.
The club went through several financial crises and gradually changed in social content until it became what it is today, a Midlands centre of Tennis excellence.
The author invented the handicap system for Tennis and this has been adopted on a worldwide basis.
This copy is in unused condition and it is offered at £125
035 (a):“(A) HISTORY OF THE ROYAL GAME OF TENNIS”
By Albert Philippe Ferdinand de Luze (Born 21 June 1873; died 24 June 1934)
English translation by Sir Robert Charles Richard Caradoc Hamilton, Bart (
Born 8 September 1911; died 27 September 2001)
A MARVELLOUS HISTORY OF TENNIS IN FRANCE AND GREAT BRITAIN; 1 OF 12 COPIES
1st de luxe English translation of 1979 published by the Roundwood Press in England in large 4to hardboards and blue card slip-case; in an edition of only 12 numbered copies in blue leather boards externally decorated and with 395 pages all page edges gilt; signed internally by Richard Hamilton. (See photo)
This is a translation of de Luze’s important title “La Magnifique Histoire du Jeu de Paume” published by Editions Delmas in France in 1933. It was in large 4to paper covers often found with pages uncut and this translation mirrors the format well. The book was in several formats, mainly however the standard edition which was in a numbered print run of 1000 copies. This translation was by Sir Richard Hamilton with corrections by Tony Negretti.
De Luze was a good player as a young man but became unwell and his condition seriously hampered his playing ability. He used the Bordeaux court and was a very knowledgeable man about Le Jeu de Paume at a time when a fellow Frenchman, Pierre Etchebaster, was world champion, so French Tennis was on a high at that period.
This large book is in two main sections as follows:
Historical Section: This covers the origins of Tennis on a century by century basis, tennis in the theatre, courts in Paris, tennis courts throughout France, and finally tennis courts outside France.
Technical Section and Record of Sports: This is a detailed study of Quarre and Dedans courts, their layout, the various galleries, the laws, the chase, the service, the method of scoring, the equipment, the maitre-paumiers, famous players, world championships, reminiscences, results of championships and more.
It is a huge source of Tennis history not just in France but there is also much to say about Tennis in England.
This very rare book is in unused condition and it is offered at £1250
035 (b): “(A) HISTORY OF THE ROYAL GAME OF TENNIS”
1st standard English translation of 1979 in large 4to hardboards, dust-wrapper and blue card slip-case, top page edges gilt in an edition of 500 copies, all signed by Richard Hamilton. (DE)
This copy is in very good condition and it is offered at £250
036: “HOW TO MAKE THE REAL TENNIS BALL FROM CORE TO COVER”
By Richard Hamilton and Anthony Hobson
1st paperback edition of 1977 in very small format with 27 pages, published by the Tennis & Rackets Association in England. There was also an edition in hardboards and dust-wrapper. (See photo)
At last the centuries old mysteries of how the Professional makes a tennis ball are laid bare. Reference to the de Garsault shows that the manner of making Tennis balls has hardly changed over the centuries, though recent changes have been seen with regard to a made-up core while various experiments with overseas manufacture are being analysed.
But the true Professional still ties and stitches new balls in the ages-old manner and all the stages are described and illustrated in this little book.
This book is in unused condition and it is offered at £50
037: “HOW TO REALLY PLAY TENNIS”
By Graham Hyland
THE NEWEST REAL TENNIS COACHING TITLE
1st standard edition of 2010 published by Forty Degrees South Pty. Ltd. in Australia in 4to hardboards and dust-wrapper with 201 pages. There was also a de luxe edition of 50 numbered copies in a blue card slip-case. (See photo)
Wayne Davies writes a notable foreword acknowledging the debt he owes to Hyland and his style of play and coaching. He writes that Hyland was the most beautiful stroke-player that he had ever seen. Davies went on to become World Champion from 1987 to 1994 so one must pay attention to what he says.
The book is in twelve chapters starting with his own recollections, then on to serving, the return of service, general play, combination plays, tactical advice and training drills, practice points for various handicap groups, how to practice by yourself, analysing play, the art of war, tennis eras in the United States, United Kingdom and Australia, and finally (who was) the greatest player ever?
This new book is a very valuable addition to the Tennis bibliography and students of the game will learn a great deal from it. In addition to the texts, there are many excellent photos.
Looking at the title, am I alone in refusing to split infinitives?
This copy is in unused condition and it is offered at £95
038: “(Le) JEU DE LA PAULME AVEC SES REGLES
Et les formalites qu’on observe au jeu de Courte-Paulme, lorsqu’il s’y joue un prix”
No named author
A PREVIOUSLY UNRECORDED FRENCH LANGUAGE TEXT ON PAULME FROM THE 18th CENTURY
Edition of 1776 in French published Chez Bollen, Fils in Belgium with 14 pages. (Note this title consistently uses “Paulme” and not “Paume”. (See photo) (DE)
This unlisted book appears to be a series of separately published pamphlets, the first of which is a 14 page essay about “Le Jeu de la Paulme”; subsequent subjects in this book are Piquet with 32 pages, Whist with 64 pages, and Billiards with 16 pages. The pamphlets have been united into one small 8vo book with hard boards marbled externally and internally, with a beautifully decorated leather spine.
After a short historical introduction, there is discussion about Courte and Longue Paulme and then follow the laws of play. Next comes discussion about how to run a prize match, and finally there are two pages on Courte-Paulme.
The section on Piquet par M. Phillidor is announced as “Nouvelle Edition” which suggests this at least has been in print previously. But so far I have not been able to locate an earlier edition of the section on Paulme/Paume.
I am not aware of any other copies of this rare text on Paulme; the book is in very nice condition and it is offered at £3000
039: “JEU DES ROIS, ROI DES JEUX:
Le Jeu de Paume en France”
Compiled by Yves Carlier and Thierry Bernard-Tambour
FOINTAINEBLEAU ILLUSTRATED EXHIBITION CATALOGUE AND HISTORY
1st French edition of 2001 published by Editions de la Reunion des Musees Nationaux in France in broad 8vo paper covers with 181 pages. (See photo)
This marvellous book was published to accompany and illustrate an exhibition of memorabilia related to Paume that was staged at the Chateau of Fontainebleau, outside Paris. The range of objects was very broad and comprehensive and this catalogue has become an important integral part of the Tennis bibliography.
Paume is of course very ingrained into French culture as can be gauged by the enormous number of towns and villages which still have a Place or a Rue de la Paume. Many of the words used in Tennis today have a clear French origin, e.g. dedans, tambour, reste, etc.
The exhibits included books, ceramics, engravings, equipment, furniture, photographs, etc. and all of the highest quality and rarity. All these are well described and illustrated for posterity.
This book is in unused condition and it is offered at £45
040: “(The) MANCHESTER TENNIS AND RACQUET CLUB 1876-1980:
An Illustrated History”
By Nigel Kenyon et al
1 of 350 COPIES
1st edition of 1980 published by the Club in England in large 8vo hard blue boards externally gilt decorated with 97 pages in an edition of 350 copies. (See photo)
This book is about one of the oldest private racket sports members’ clubs in the country and its distinguished history. Both Rackets and Tennis are still played there; visitors will relish the great old-world atmosphere which greets one especially the lovely old wood panelled walls. The major happenings at the club are nicely described and illustrated with plenty of team and personality photographs. At the end is a membership list.
This copy is in good condition with a small amount of staining on the front board and it is offered at £130
041: “MELBOURNE TO MYOPIA:
reflections on my visits to the Real Tennis Courts of the 20th Century”
By George Edwin Limb (
Born 16 November 1935; died 7 March 2009)
HE VISITED AND PLAYED ON ALL THE COURTS OF THE WORLD; 1 of 470 COPIES
1st edition of 2002 published by the author in Melbourne, Australia in 8vo hardboards externally gilt engraved with 170 pages in a print run of 470 copies. There was also a de luxe edition of 50 copies presented in a card slip-case. (See photo)
Limb was a good Tennis player from the Royal Melbourne Tennis Club who managed to access entry into and play on fifty-three courts on his global travels between 1965 and 2001. He lists them in chronological order, with a photograph and a description of his experiences at each court. He is by no means the only player who has attempted this extraordinary feat of endurance but I am not aware of any other player who has succeeded.
This book is inscribed internally by the author and is in very good condition; it is offered at £75
042 (a): “(The) OFFICIAL HISTORY OF THE TENNIS AND RACKETS ASSOCIATION 1907-2007”
By David Best
1 of 50 COPIES
1st de luxe edition of 2008 published by the Tennis and Rackets Association in England in blue leather boards and dust-wrapper, the boards being internally marbled, in a print run of 50 numbered copies with 74 pages; internally is a list of those who subscribed to this edition. The list is signed by the author. (See photo)
This was a centenary book that was really needed as it told such a fascinating story about two games which are followed by a relatively small number of players but who do so in a passionate manner. The governing body is accepted across the world where the games are played.
“On 18 December 1907, a group of men with a deep passion for the games of Tennis and Rackets met at The Queen’s Club in West Kensington and founded the Tennis and Rackets Association. Their principal aim was to form a central authority to administer the two games. Until then, three leading London clubs (Marylebone Cricket Club, Prince’s Club and Queen’s Club) had been vying with each other to control the two games.”
Best has spent hours delving into the minute books of the T & RA and come up with a splendid account of how the embryonic association grew to the substantial body it is today.
Here can be found the many strong personalities who have been involved over the 100 years either as players or administrators, and often as both. They are mostly shown in portrait photos and all are listed on the page of Major Office Holders.
What some may consider a potentially boring subject has been skilfully turned into a very readable book peppered with anecdotes and the great names of Tennis and Rackets since the start of the twentieth century.
This book is in unused condition and it is offered at £85
042 (b): “(The) OFFICIAL HISTORY OF THE TENNIS AND RACKETS ASSOCIATION 1907-2007”
1st standard edition of 2008 published by the T & RA in England in 4to paper covers with 74 pages.
This copy is offered in unused condition at £10
043: “(La) PAUME ET LE LAWN-TENNIS”
By E. de Nanteuil, G. de Saint-Clair, and Delahaye
A BEAUTIFUL AND IMPORTANT FRENCH LANGUAGE BOOK ON TENNIS AND LAWN-TENNIS
1st French edition of 1898 published by Librairie Hachette & Cie in France in small 8vo gilt engraved hardboards with 422 pages. The book was originally published in highly decorative paper covers and these are bound into the slightly later hardboards. (See photo)
I rate this as one of the most important French language books on Paume, in itself a great rarity, and it is also probably the first major French language history of Lawn Tennis. De Luze refers to it as both great and rare and that was back in 1933. There are only two or three major French texts on Paume in the 19th century and this is one of them.
The Paume section of this quite substantial book covers 182 pages, and includes text on the origins, the rules, the equipment, the various strokes, the chases and how to beat them, scoring, the marker, how to learn to play, attack and defence, the restes etc.
The Lawn-Tennis section pays tribute to the English invention of the game, how to prepare the ground, the rules, singles and doubles, the services, the strokes, and how to manage handicaps and disputes. It could probably be called the foundation book in French Lawn Tennis.
As a bonus and not declared in the title, is a third section on the now little known game of “Le Jeu de Longue Paume”. Titles on this very peculiar game are exceptionally rare, yet it was widely played at this time and Longue Paume is an integral part of the racket sports family.
Here can be found the history, the various pitches on which it is played, mainly in north east France, the rules, how the game is played, and advice for the players.
And finally a further undeclared section describes “Jeux de Paume Basques”. Trinquet is a major feature and is still played in the Pays Basque as is Pelota.
The book is illustrated throughout with engravings showing courts, players, and strokes being played.
This book is in good condition and it is offered at £550
044: “PIERRE’S BOOK:
The Game of Court Tennis”
By Pierre Etchebaster (Born 8 December 1893; died 24 March 1980)
A beautifully dedicated and signed copy
THE GREAT BASQUE WORLD CHAMPION’S LIFE STORY AND COACHING MANUAL; 1 of 500 COPIES
1st edition of 1971 published by Barre Publishers in the USA in 4to hardboards in green dust-wrapper with 78 pages in a print run of 500 copies. A paperback reprint was published in 1991 in a print run of 500 copies. (See photos) (DE)
This marvellous book was edited by George Ames Plimpton (born 18 March 1927; died 25 September 2003) who also wrote the introduction. Plimpton was a man larger than life whose company I enjoyed during a visit to Wimbledon many years ago when he accompanied that other fine Court Tennis player and tennis journalist, Eugene Lytton Scott (born 28 December 1937; died 20 March 2006).
Etchebaster’s name in Tennis is a legendary name. The basic facts are that he took the World Championship from Covey in 1928, about which Plimpton writes that on the last stroke of the match:
“Covey had to attack a short chase (worse than two), and four times in succession he made beautiful strokes on the floor which would have won the chase, and four times Etchebaster returned them. The fifth time Covey made a stroke which he lost (it fell chase three), and Etchebaster was the champion of tennis.” He held the title without pause until he retired on 24 February 1955.
But in between 1928 and 1954, he defended his title successfully seven times:
in 1930 he defeated Walter Kinsella by 7 sets to 1
in 1937 he defeated Ogden Phipps by 3 sets to 1, (Phipps badly twisted an ankle and was unable to complete the match)
in 1948 he defeated Ogden Phipps by 7 sets to 2
in 1948 he defeated Jim Dear by 7 sets to 4
in 1949 he defeated Ogden Phipps by 7 sets to 1
in 1950 he defeated Alastair Martin by 7 sets to 0
in 1952 he defeated Alastair Martin by 7 sets to 2
I read a story somewhere that Pierre did not hit the penthouse once in 20 years of competitive play but find that a little bit extreme! But it is certainly true that between 1928 and 1954 he never lost a match when playing off even terms.
The book is in several sections.
THE GAME by George Plimpton consists of nine pages wherein Plimpton explains the game and how it is played, with two excellent court diagrams.
INTRODUCTION by George Plimpton who describes in ten pages Pierre’s early life in the Pays Basque, his 1st World War service, his introduction to Tennis, and his fast move through the ranks to become World Champion.
FOREWORD by Pierre Etchebaster wherein he describes the purpose of his book.
THE GAME OF SINGLES is where Pierre lays out for all to read his philosophy about the various aspects of how to play one against one. One common feature of his writing is his rather quaint almost pigeon English style, and in his summary this can be seen with such advice as “Do not abuse for the dedans” or “Do not abuse playing the volley. Let the ball go to the backwall.” There are some splendid court diagrams from the long wall looking into the court where he shows off various serves including one new to me i.e. “the Poop Service.”
THE GAME OF DOUBLES starts off with “I would like to say first about the doubles game that you must enter the court with a different concept in mind than that of singles play.” How often do you hear the Pro commenting that so much doubles play at the less than good player level seems like watching four singles players playing individually?
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS is an opportunity for RTC members to put question to Pierre via Plimpton.
PIERRE REMEMBERED is a short series of personal comments and reminiscences from some of his leading opponents, as well as other RTC members whom he coached. And here can be found some personal photos of Pierre at various ages.
This copy has the following inscription on the title page: “To Mr. H. Munroe in souvenir of our game in Paris. With my best wishes Pierre Etchebaster May 31 1972”
This book is in very good condition (dust-wrapper has small rip at the base of the spine) and it is offered at £375
045: “(The) QUEEN’S CLUB STORY 1886-1986”
By Roy Douglas McKelvie (
Born 1 July 1912; died 5 January 1996)
THE HEADQUARTERS OF TENNIS AND RACKETS AND LEADING LONDON SPORTS CLUB
1st standard edition of 1986 published by Stanley Paul & Co. Ltd. in England in 4to hardboards and dust-wrapper with 306 pages. There was also a de luxe edition in a print run of fifty numbered copies presented in leather boards and card slip-case. (See photo)
McKelvie was a fine squash player, a member of The Queen’s Club for many years and a life-ling journalist who specialised in reporting racket sports. This is a very well researched history of the club from its earliest days in the late Victorian era to 1986. So many different sports and activities have taken place over the 100 years of its life and all are nicely described and illustrated with photos or engravings.
The emphasis is on the various racket sports played there, especially lawn tennis, real tennis and rackets. The twenty-five years of the Stella Artois tennis tournament (now sponsored by Aegon) have been a major feature in the club’s annual programme and this took over from what was called the London Grass Court Championships which had been played there for decades.
This is a book in which I had more than a hand as I was a good friend of McKelvie and did most of the research for him on The Queen’s Club and its involvement in squash from the earliest days.
The book also charts the progress of the many staff members both administrative and sporting as well as the many people who served on committees. At the end of the book is a lengthy section detailing the results of all the club events held there.
This book is in very good condition and it is offered at £30
046: “RACKET SPORTS COLLECTIBLES”
Compiled by Robert T. Everitt
THE MAIN REFERENCE BOOK FOR COLLECTORS OF TENNISIANA
1st edition of 2002 published by Schiffer Publishing Ltd. in the USA in large 4to hardboards and dust-wrapper with 304 pages.
This has become the acknowledged source of reliable information for collectors of racket sports memorabilia. The contents of several noted collections have been included so as to give the book the widest coverage of categories.
Sections are titled:
Chapter 1: books, magazines, programmes and newspapers
Chapter 2: games and toys, event tickets, and cigarette cards
Chapter 3: photographs, artwork, engravings and prints
Chapter 4: equipment including rackets, line markers, boxes, presses, balls, and Badminton items
Chapter 5: porcelain, ceramics, glass
Chapter 6: silver and metalware
Each item is nicely illustrated with a colour photo, described briefly and dated, and finally a sterling and US$ price range of value is suggested.
This copy is in unused condition and it is offered at £45
047: “RACKETS, SQUASH-RACKETS, TENNIS, FIVES & BADMINTON”
Edited by Lord (Clarence Napier) Aberdare (
Born 2 August 1885; died 4 October 1957)
THE LONSDALE LIBRARY SERIES
1st standard edition of 1933 published by Seeley Service & Co. in England in 8vo hardboards with dust-wrapper (photo tipped onto the front cover) with 328 pages. There were also two styles of de luxe editions. (See photo)
This book could be said to be the natural successor to the Badminton Library series published in the 1890s. It covers five racket sports in similar fashion. Each sport is covered by an expert who describes the history, the laws, tactics, the strokes, the service, and match play. The book is illustrated with photos of the experts showing how to play the shots.
John Armitage deals with the history of ball games, Edgar Baerlein deals with Rackets, Snell and Moss deal with Squash-Rackets, Edgar Baerlein deals with Tennis, David Egerton deals with Eton and Rugby Fives, and George Thomas deals with Badminton.
This copy is in good condition and it is offered at £50
048 (a): “(The) RACQUET GAME”
By Allison Danzig (
Born 27 February 1898; died 27 January 1987)
MOST IMPORTANT BOOK ON USA COURT TENNIS AND RACQUETS PRIOR TO 1930
1st edition of 1930 published by The Macmillan Company in the USA in small 8vo hardboards and very decorative dustwrapper with 283 pages. (See photo) (DE)
Danzig was a life-time sports journalist in New York whose speciality was the racket/racquet sports, Lawn and Court Tennis, Rackets/Racquets, and Squash Racquets. He was very highly thought-of and attended and reported on a huge number of top matches in all these sports. His preference was for Court Tennis as he wrote two excellent books dedicated to the game. Here is his first, the second being “The Wining Gallery: Court Tennis Matches and Memories” in 1985.
This book from 1930 recounts in great detail the origins of the sports, the court and equipment needed, and the history of the sport in the USA. He deals with some of the great championship matches he has watched and the leading players who featured in them. Much of what he writes refers to matches in the famous Eastern Seaboard courts such as New York, Boston, and Philadelphia.
He illustrates the book with plenty of photos of courts, champions, professionals etc. And most importantly to the contents, the large fold-out group photo at page 52 of those who attended the opening of the Green Tree Tennis Court on January 10 1915 is present in fine condition.
This book is in very good condition in exceptionally rare pictorial dust-wrapper and it is offered at £500
048 (b): “(The) RACQUET GAME”
1st edition of 1930 as above but without the dust-wrapper.
This book is in very good condition and it is offered at £175
049: “RACQUETS, TENNIS & SQUASH”
By Eustace Hamilton Miles (
Born 22 September 1868; died 20 June 1948)
FIRST BOOK OF THE 20th CENTURY ON RACKET SPORTS
1st edition of 1903 published by D. Appleton and Company in the USA in small 8vo green decorative hardboards with 336 pages. There is also a UK edition of 1902. (See photo) (DE)
This is I believe the first major book on racket sports (other than Lawn Tennis) of the twentieth century. Miles was variously amateur singles and doubles world champion at Racquets (sic), and USA amateur champion at squash-tennis.
As a great supporter of fitness and regime, Miles spends quite a lot of time talking about diet, breathing, exercising, massage and rest. I suspect he was well ahead of his time in this respect, when there was an opinion that a gentleman did not train or have lessons!
In his tracts on the sports, he makes much of foot-work and positioning prior to making a stroke. Thus to him, technique was everything, pretty much as it is today.
His book is in six parts:
l: HINTS ON TRAINING: breathing, food, massage, rest
ll: RACQUETS, TENNIS, AND SQUASH: features common to all 3, strokes and movement, practice, hints on match-play
lll: RACQUETS: court & implements, rules of play, handicaps, grips, service, doubles
lV: TENNIS: court & implements, rules & etiquette, handicaps, service, practice & hints for play
V; HISTORICAL AND PERSONAL: ball-games in general, players in England and America
Vl: SUGGESTIVE: handicapping & scoring, clubs and evening play, hints to markers & teachers
The book is heavily illustrated with many demonstrative photos mostly of him showing the shots, and there are a few court diagrams.
This copy is good condition a little darkened externally, a previous owner’s inscription internally. It is offered at £250
050: “(The) RAILING TENNIS COLLECTION”
This is the catalogue for the amazing sale of Real Tennis books, images and rackets as assembled over many decades by the Railing family. The sale was staged at Christie’s South Kensington on Thursday 17 November 2005, during which time some unimaginable prices were fetched. (See photo)
But whereas the prices were very strong, the range of many of the books and images was way beyond what most seasoned collectors had seen previously. Illustrative of this was the hammer price of £26,000 fetched by Pierre Barcellon’s “Regles et Principes de Paume” of 1800. Only four copies are currently known to exist.
This copy of the catalogue is unmarked and it is offered at £20
051: “REAL TENNIS”
By Kathryn McNicoll
1st edition of 2005 published by Shire Publications Ltd. in England in small 8vo paper covers with 40 pages.
Part of a very large series of informative books on a huge range of subjects, the author deftly summarises and describes all aspects of this ancient game in a very concise and yet understandable manner. The origins of the game, the equipment used, the rules, other similar games, and much more is described.
This book is in unused condition and it is offered at £5
052: “REAL TENNIS”
By Eustace Hamilton Miles, M.A. (
Born 22 September 1868; died 20 June 1948)
This is a short tract on Tennis by a fine athlete, who was variously Amateur Squash Rackets champion of the USA in 1900, Amateur World Rackets champion in 1906, and Olympic silver medallist in 1908 at Tennis, He was also Amateur Real Tennis champion of England ten times and Amateur Real Tennis champion of the world seven times. So…a man to whom one should listen.
This seven page article is taken from a magazine published in the early days of the twentieth century and he attempts to highlight the main differences between Lawners and Realers.
The pages are about small 8vo and in very good condition; it is offered at £10
053: “REAL TENNIS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2010 PROGRAMME”
AUTOGRAPHED BY ROB FAHEY, STEVE VIRGONA AND ANDREW LYONS
The programme was issued for the challenge at the Royal Melbourne Tennis Club 4th to 8th May 2010 when Rob Fahey once again held off a stiff challenge from Steve Virgona. This booklet is small 8vo with 34 pages
Signed internally by Rob Fahey, Steve Virgona and the marker, Andrew Lyons; it is offered at £20
054: “(Le) REBOT ET AUTRES JEUX DE PELOTE BASQUE”
By Dr A. Vergely
A RARE TITLE ON PELOTE, TRINQUET, AND REBOT
1st French language edition of 1948 published by Les Editions Basques in France in small 8vo paper covers with 45 pages.
This little paperback may be small in stature but it is big in content as it is one of those very rare titles which describes the ball games played in the Pays Basque in south-west France. Here can be found brief descriptions of the histories of the games, then text on Le Pelote Basque, Les Jeux de Trinquet, Les Jeux de Rebot, with a small number of lovely line drawings showing the courts.
This copy is in very good condition with most pages still uncut; it is offered at £35
055: “(The) ROYAL GAME”
By l. St.J. Butler and P.J. Wordie
1st edition of 1989 published by the Falkland Palace Real Tennis Club in Scotland in broad 8vo paper covers with 144 pages. There was also an edition in hardboards with dust-wrapper. (See photo)
With a foreword by H.R.H. Prince Edward, this is an interesting tour through the ages with chapters including
The Origins of Tennis
Tennis in Scotland
The Royal Tennis Court at Falkland
The Court Quarre
Tennis in the Emblem books and in English Literature
The Development of the Ball and Racket in Tennis
The Origin of Scoring in Tennis
The Service
European Derivatives of Tennis
The Genesis of Lawn Tennis.
This book is in unused condition and it is offered at £10
056: “(The) ROYAL GAME OF TENNIS”
By Sir Robert Charles Richard Caradoc Hamilton, Bart (Born 8 September 1911; died 27 September 2001)
1st edition of 1971 published by The Moreton Morrell Tennis Court in England in small 8vo paper covers with 20 pages. (See photo)
This small circulation booklet was published to promote the raising of finance for the development of the court at Moreton Morrell in memory of their long-serving Professional Ted Johnson, who had served at the club for sixty-five years, dying in June 1970.
The booklet contains an excellent short history of Tennis, names of royals who have played, photos of prominent Moreton Morrell players and the full obituary of Ted Johnson as published in The Times. In addition there is a potted history of the court and comments on the fund and its purpose. At the end is a pocket which originally contained a brochure on the appeal, lacking in this case.
This book is in good condition and it is offered at £20
057: “(The) ROYAL GAME OF TENNIS”
By Charles l. Norton
This is an article taken from a late Victorian magazine (?1890). I can’t trace the author, but in just three and a half pages of text, he paints an interesting and informative piece on the derivation of Tennis and its history, much aimed at the royal connections over the centuries.
This piece of printed ephemera is in good condition and it is offered at £10
058: “ROYAL MELBOURNE TENNIS CLUB
125th YEAR
AUSTRALIAN REAL TENNIS CARNIVAL 2007”
This is the programme for the Boomerang Cup, Australian Open, Richmond Handicap Classic and the Australian PRO-AM, all played at the RMTC in January 2007. It is in tall 4to paper covers with 50 pages. Full draws and time schedules are shown with articles of interest. It is a most impressive publication.
It is in unused condition and it is offered at £20
059: “(The) ROYAL TENNIS COURT:
A History of Tennis at Hampton Court Palace”
By David Best.
1st standard edition of 2002 published by Ronaldson Publications in England in tall 4to hardboards and dust-wrapper with 331 pages in a print run of 600 copies. There was also a de luxe edition of 70 numbered copies. (See photo)
This is probably the most famous Tennis court in the world and certainly the court with the most colourful history. English monarchs with whom this court can be directly associated include Henry Vlll, Charles l, Charles ll, William lll, and George l.
The author details many of the diverse and occasionally eccentric people who have played on the court over the centuries, the world championship matches played there, and discusses the many architectural changes.
Most interesting are the sections on the various markers, professionals and leading amateurs as well as the many officers who have served on the committee.
The book is illustrated with more than 150 photos and other images, quite a few of which have not been published previously.
This book is in unused condition and it is offered at £30
060: “ROYAL TENNIS IN RENAISSANCE ITALY”
By Cees de Bondt
1st edition in English published by Brepols Publishers in Belgium in 2006 in 8vo hardboards and dust-wrapper with 290 pages in a print run of 750 copies. (See photo)
De Bondt is a very knowledgeable writer on matters related to Tennis with a particular fascination for this period, the research for which has taken him into many libraries especially in Italy. Thus this book from its title can be said to chart the game through the centuries in the major tennis courts of Italy in great detail with a myriad of photographs, diagrams and other images. Scaino and his famous book are well discussed; there are lengthy and learned appendices on various aspects of Tennis of the period.
This book is in very good condition and it is offered at £75
061: “RULES & PRINCIPLES OF TENNIS”
By Pierre Barcellon
1st English translation of 1987 by Sir Richard Hamilton, published by Ronaldson Publications in England in small 8vo hardboards and dust-wrapper with 47 pages in a print run of 500 copies. There was also a de luxe edition of 50 numbered copies. (See photo)
Christie’s catalogue of the Railing sale in November 2005 described the original of 1800 as “the black tulip for tennis collectors”. The copy that came up for sale fetched a hammer of £26,000. (I know that as I was the buyer!) We know of four copies, all in very safe hands. It is likely that similarly to the famed Smith Travers from Australia, a tiny number would have been printed, perhaps as few as only ten copies to be handed to students of the game.
This tract is an all-round guide to both the player and the Professional (or Paumier). Descriptions of the court, the ball and the racket are followed by the rules of play. There is a series of quite short sections each dealing with a separate aspect of Tennis such as
The Net
The Doors
The Batteries and Openings
Cramped Odds
Half Court
Touch no Walls
Despite its age, the English edition is a very readable book as it describes the game we still play today.
His Observations contain the so true comment: “As the variations in regard to what a ball may do are infinite and as every day something new and unpredictable arises, the number of extraordinary strokes I have described is sufficient to allow us to judge them all by a system of comparison.” No matter how long you have been playing, you still see ball rebounds you have not previously seen and that seems to have been true more than 200 years ago!
This book is in unused condition and it is offered at £10
062: “(A) SHORT LESSON IN TENNIS”
By Johann Georg Bender
THE FIRST GERMAN LANGUAGE BOOK ON TENNIS
300 COPIES OF WHICH ONLY 3 COPIES REMAIN UNSOLD
1st English translation of 2011 published by Historical Publications in Victoria, Australia in small 8vo brown hardboards externally decorated and with 63 pages in an edition of 300 copies. There was also a de luxe edition of c50 copies. (See photo)
This originally German title was “Kurzer Unterricht der Lobwurdigen von vielen hohen Stands-Personen beliebten Exercitii des ballen-spiels” and was published in Nurnburg in 1680. Only three copies are currently known to exist, and the copy from which this translation is taken was found in the library of Ansbach Castle, a Bavarian Benedictine Monastery.
Germany was a hot-bed of tennis in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries until about the time of the French Revolution, when it dramatically lost popularity. This is believed to the first German book on the game and the author seems unaware of the Scaino of 1555.
The layout of the book is such that it first contains the original German text and then follows up with the English translation.
Bender describes the manner of the game and gives advice on how to play. Some contemporary engravings of early German tennis accompany the text.
All copies in Australia are now sold. This book is in mint condition and it is offered at £125
063: “STICKE TENNIS:
The Development of Sticke Tennis”
By Graham Tomkinson
1st edition of 2004 published by Chase Publications in England in small 8vo paper covers with 36 pages. (See photo)
Sticke Tennis is probably best described as Lawn Tennis played on an inside court which has some similarities to a Real Tennis court. The game has a military background and the first courts built in about 1870 were constructed on army bases with the intention of being Rackets courts but in a situation where there was insufficient room for such a large building. The Sticke court was thought of as a compromise between a Rackets and a Tennis court.
The scoring is by 15 per point and the ball is served directly over the net; the side walls and penthouses can be used also.
The book examines the variations that were adopted from court to court and concentrates on the two remaining courts still in use today. These and now lost courts are nicely illustrated in a series of photos.
This book is signed by the author, is in unused condition and it is offered at £15
064 (a): “TENNIS:
A CUT ABOVE THE REST”
By Christopher Ronaldson
THE MOST POPULAR REAL TENNIS COACHING MANUAL
1st edition of 1985 published by Ronaldson Publications in England in small 8vo hardboards and dust-wrapper with 172 pages in a print run of 500 copies. There was also a de luxe edition of 100 numbered copies presented in leather boards.
This is the first Tennis coaching title to be published since the 1930s and therefore it was long overdue. This was well proved by the fact that it is now in its fifth edition, all previous editions having been of 500 copies.
As a world champion, Chris is more qualified than most to write this book which also contains a very readable section on his own life and times in Tennis.
The coaching chapters are nicely illustrated with clearly understandable line drawings supported by many photos of Chris demonstrating the services and the shots he describes.
This copy is in very good condition but lacks the dust-wrapper; it is offered at £15
064 (b): “TENNIS:
A CUT ABOVE THE REST”
3rd edition of 1995, otherwise as above, in a print run of 500 copies. This copy is a presentation copy bearing the book-plate of BBC TV and radio commentator Max Robertson (born 28 August 1915; died 20 November 2009). The book is inscribed to Max from the author.
This copy is otherwise in very good condition and is offered at £25
064 (c): “TENNIS:
A CUT ABOVE THE REST”
4th edition of 1999, otherwise as above; in a print run of 500 copies. (See photo)
This copy is in unused condition and it is offered at £20
064 (d): “TENNIS:
A CUT ABOVE THE REST”
5th edition of 2011 in paper covers.
This copy is in mint condition and it is offered at £15
065 (a): “TENNIS AND OXFORD”
By Jeremy Potter (Died 15 November 1997)
1 of 100 COPIES
1st de luxe library edition of 1994 published by the Oxford Unicorn Press in England in 8vo blue leatherette boards with 152 pages, all page edges gilt; internally numbered and signed by the author in a print run of 100 copies. The book was published jointly with the Oxford University Tennis Club to celebrate 400 years of Tennis at Oxford.
With a foreword by The Rt. Hon. Lord Aberdare KBE, this book digs as far back into history as any I have seen on Tennis, as it seems that there was a Tennis court somewhere in Oxford from the mid-fifteenth century. The book considers the development of the game and entwines the history of Oxford tennis into the general context.
It tells of the origins of the game, and how it was/is played, of the medieval laws restricting play to the privileged classes; of its early days in Oxford; of the college ball courts which were a feature of undergraduate life for two centuries during Tennis’s Golden Age; of the nineteenth century Renaissance of Tennis; and of Oxford Tennis in modern times.
Here also is the first full account of the three best known Oxford courts and their professional keepers. There is discussion about the royal connection with two kings playing: King Charles l when Oxford was his capital and Edward Vll as an undergraduate.
This book is in unused condition, number 22 of 100, signed by the author and it is offered at £125
065 (b): “TENNIS AND OXFORD”
The standard edition in 8vo hardboards and dust-wrapper in a print run of 1000 copies. This copy is signed by the author and includes a small quantity of printed ephemera surrounding the publication date. (See photo)
This book is in unused condition and it is offered at £50
065 (c): “TENNIS AND OXFORD”
The standard edition in 8vo hardboards and dust-wrapper as above.
This book is in unused condition and it is offered at £25
066: “TENNIS AND RACKETS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL REPORTS”
This is the annual review of matters related both to Tennis and Rackets, with a large number of event and match reports, bulletins from the many clubs around the world, lists of courts, professionals and secretaries and much more. They are all profusely illustrated with photos.
These are large 4to magazine-style titles mainly of 70 to 100 pages. I have editions for 1995/1996, 2000/2001, 2002/2003, 2003/2004, 2004/2005, 2005/2006, 2006/2007, 2007/2008, 2008/2009, 2009/2010, 2010/2011.
All are in good condition and are offered at £5 each or the 11 editions at £40
067: “TENNIS AND RACKETS ASSOCIATION RECORDS TO 1978”
Compiled by E.H. Leaf (Hon. Treasurer of the T & RA)
Updated edition of 1978 published by the Tennis and Rackets Association in England in broad 8vo paper covers with 38 pages. (See photo)
Originally published in 1948, this book has been brought upto date including 1977 results. Every major tournament is listed here for both Tennis and Rackets. The first section starts with the World Tennis Championship and Clerge of c1740 up to Howard Angus in 1977; then the British Professional Championship, Oxford and Cambridge Championships, Public Schools (Henry Leaf), the Browning and Taylor Cups, the Bathurst Cup, Amateur Championships of GB and the USA, and finally a chart of the active Tennis and Rackets courts in the UK.
The second section on Rackets lists the World Championship starting with Robert MacKay in 1820 up to Surtees in 1977; then the GB Open, the Amateur Championships, the Army and the Royal Navy Championships, Oxford vs Cambridge from 1858, and finally the various Public Schools Championships.
This book is in very good condition and it is offered at £25
068: “(The) TENNIS COURTS OF LYON”
By Richard Travers
THE NEWEST BOOK ON REAL TENNIS PUBLISHED IN 2012
1 of 350 COPIES
1st edition of 2012 published by Oryx Publishing in Australia in 8vo hardboards and dust-wrapper with 146 pages in an addition of 350 numbered copies. The first 50 copies are “hors de commerce” having been privately placed, thus numbers 51 onwards were offered for public sale. (See photo)
Lyon is where the unfortunate de Manivieux paid the ultimate price during the French Revolution; he had written probably the most important French book of the eighteenth century.
This is the first time that a survey of the many courts of Lyon has been undertaken. The author has trawled extensively through the archives of that city to produce evidence of courts built for royalty, aristocrats, and the bourgeoisie. He also describes the many other uses to which some of those courts were put over the period from the fifteenth to the nineteenth centuries. The book is very well illustrated.
This book is in mint condition and it is offered at £75
069: “TENNIS, HOCKEY, PAUMES, BALLES ET BOULES”
Par Max Decugis, Crivelli, de Fleurac, H. Jordan, Georges le Roy, Maurice Michel
1st facsimile edition of 1980 in French published by Editions Slatkine in Switzerland in small 8vo paper covers with 375 pages. The original 1st edition was published in 1913 by Pierre Lafitte et Cie. in France.
It is presented in rather the same manner as the Badminton Library series from the 1890s in that several experts of the day each describe his sport, its history, the ground on which it is played, the equipment, the strokes, the rules and plenty of technical advice on how to play it.
Lawn Tennis is by Max Decugis, Hockey is by Crivelli, Le Jeu de Boules is by de Fleurac, Cricket is by H. Jordan, Baseball is by de Fleurac, Basket-Ball is by de Fleurac, Longue Paume is by Maurice Michel, Courte Paume is by Georges le Roy, Croquet is by de Fleurac, and Paume Basque is by de Fleurac. The book is well illustrated with diagrams and engravings
This book is in unused condition and it is offered at £50
070: “TENNIS IN NEDERLAND TUSSEN 1500 EN 1800”
By Cees de Bondt
1st Dutch edition of 1993 in 8vo paper covers with 179 pages in a print run of 3000 copies. (See photo)
This is de Bondt’s first study of a nation’s tennis history, this being his own country where Tennis was very strong, as it was across several European countries until it suddenly died down in popularity around the end of the nineteenth century.
My Dutch is not that good (!), but to make up for my inability to understand most of the text, it is beautifully and comprehensively illustrated with ancient town plans showing the location of tennis courts.
This book is in unused condition and it is offered at £10
071 (a): “TENNIS: LAWN TENNIS: RACKETS: FIVES”
Edited by His Grace the Duke of Beaufort, K.G,
Assisted by Alfred T. Watson
THE BADMINTON LIBRARY SERIES OF BOOKS ON SPORTS FROM THE LATE 19th CENTURY.
1 of 250 COPIES
1st de luxe edition of 1890 published by Longmans, Green & Co. in England in 4to half leather and calf boards (the large format) with 484 pages in a numbered print run of 250 copies. (DE)
This is I think only the third general treatise on Tennis of the nineteenth century (Lukin 1822, Marshall 1878), the second treatise on Rackets (Atkins 1872), and the first treatise on both Lawn Tennis and Fives. This is a measure of the book’s significance.
Each game is described in all its aspects by a great exponent of the period, thus “Tennis” is by J.M. Heathcote, who was Amateur Champion in 1888 and multi-times winner of the MCC Gold and Silver Racquet Cups. He describes Tennis as the “History of the Court, Rackets and Ball”, “Modern Tennis”, “The Laws of Tennis”, “Some general reflections on Tennis, and hints to beginners”, and “Records of Matches and Memoirs of Eminent Players”.
“Lawn Tennis” is by C.G. Heathcote with contributions from such stars as Miss L. Dod, H.W.W. Willberforce, H.F. Lawford, Spencer W. Gore, R.D. Sears and Herbert Chipp. Several Wimbledon champions are amongst this list. And this really is the first major history of the new game which prompted the coining of the expression “Real Tennis” to identify which game you played. The history at 1890 was hardly twenty years in length, and it is dealt with in great detail at a time when there were plenty of people who were originally involved and whose memories are therefore quite fresh.
“Rackets” is by E.O.P- Bouverie who was for four consecutive years in the winning pair of the Oxford vs Cambridge match. Rackets as a game has a very small number of titles, perhaps fewer than ten in its life which we might reasonably say commenced as such around 1780. The four chapters are called “The Origin of Rackets”, “Professional Players”, “Amateurs”, and “Practical Instructions”.
“Fives” is by A.C. Ainger. If Rackets has fewer than ten titles, then Fives has fewer than five titles. Eton Fives is the most widely played and this game is described in full, illustrated with several fives court cross section diagrams. And the end piece is “A Song of Fives”, a seven verse song set to music and written by Ainger.
The final section of this book is the record of Lawn Tennis tournaments held in Great Britain and advice on making a draw.
The book is very well illustrated with diagrams, images of the various shots, equipment and courts, as well as a number of delightful romantic drawings by Lucien Davies.
This book is in good condition and it is offered at £750
071 (b):“TENNIS: LAWN TENNIS :RACKETS: FIVES”
1st standard edition of 1890 in small 8vo brown decorative boards with 484 pages.
This book is in good condition and it is offered at £45
071 (c):“TENNIS: LAWN TENNIS: RACKETS: FIVES”
1st de luxe edition of 1890 as above but presented in half calf and leather boards externally gilt decorated.
This book is in good condition, a little worn at the external corners and spine and it is offered at £45
071 (d):“TENNIS: LAWN TENNIS: RACKETS: FIVES”
2nd de luxe edition of 1891 as above with 484 pages.
This book is in good condition with slightly worn front board edges and it is offered at £45
071 (e):“TENNIS: LAWN TENNIS: RACKETS: FIVES”
3rd de luxe edition of 1894 as above with 488 pages.
This book is in good condition with a slightly worn spine and it is offered at £45
071 (f):“TENNIS: LAWN TENNIS: RACKETS: FIVES”
3rd standard edition of 1894 as above with 488 pages.
This book is in good condition and it is offered at £45
071 (g):“TENNIS: LAWN TENNIS: RACKETS: FIVES”
4th standard edition of 1897 as above with 488 pages.
This book is in good condition and it is offered at £45
071 (h):“TENNIS: LAWN TENNIS: RACKETS: FIVES”
New standard edition of 1903 as above with 491 pages.
This book is in good condition and it is offered at £45
071 (i): “TENNIS: LAWN TENNIS: RACKETS: FIVES”
New Impression (standard edition) of 1908 as above with 491 pages.
This book is in good condition and it is offered at £45
072:“TENNIS ORIGINS AND MYSTERIES”
By Malcolm Douglass Whitman (
Born 15 March 1877; died 28 December 1932)
CONTAINS THE GREATEST BIBLIOGRAPHIES ON TENNIS AND LAWN TENNIS
1 of 450 COPIES
1st edition of 1932 published by The Derrydale Press in the USA in 8vo hardboards (leatherette spine) originally in a glassine dust-wrapper with rough cut pages edges and 258 pages in a print run of 450 copies. (See photo)
Whitman was a very pivotal person in the administration of USA Court and Lawn Tennis and a good player of both. His interest was the bibliography of both games and his book is thus split into three sections:
The first section contains chapters indicating the origin and meaning of the terms used in Tennis as follows:
The word “Tennis”
The Game of Tennis
Court Tennis in America
“Love” in scoring
“Fifteen” in scoring
The Double Service
The Let
The Ball
The Racquet
Lawn Tennis
Lawn Tennis in America
The Catgut Mystery
The Influence of the word “Love”
Tennis in the Life of Tomorrow
The second and the third sections consist of lengthy bibliographies of Court and Lawn Tennis; for collectors of such titles, this is one of the most important reference works that exists. Henderson’s research into this field is extensive and it set the foundation for the later lists to be found in Garnett’s titles.
The book has been reprinted several times in 1968, 2002 and 2004, but the last two without the bibliographies.
This book is in very good condition and it is offered at £500
073: “TENNIS WITH REAL ATTITUDE”
Edited by Richard Seymour Mead
1st edition of 2005 published by the author in England in small 8vo paper covers with 64 pages. (See photo)
This is a collection of original art related to the game of Tennis. A wide range of images can be seen here, mostly quite amusing showing happenings on the court and some of the characters who have graced our courts.
This book is in unused condition and it is offered at £10
074 (a): “(Le) THEATRE DES BONS ENGINS
Auquel sont contenuz cent Emblemes moraulx”
By Guillaume de la Perriere (Born 1499; died 1553)
FACSIMILE OF 16th CENTURY EMBLEM BOOK SHOWING TENNIS
Facsimile edition of 1964 published by Scholars’ Facsimile & Reprints in the USA in small 8vo hardboards with 214 pages; with an explanatory introduction by Greta Dexter.
Not at first sight a Tennis book but this is a facsimile reprint of a book of Emblems first published in 1533. Each is a literal or a mythological representation of images from the early part of the sixteenth century. Amongst the images there are at emblems V and XLl clear images showing Tennis being played. These are amongst the earliest true images of Tennis to be found anywhere.
This copy is signed internally by Greta Dexter and is otherwise in very good condition; it is offered at £20
074 (b): “(Le) THEATRE DES BONS ENGINS”
“LA MOROSOPHIE”
Edition of 1993 published by Scolar Press in the USA in small 8vo hardboards gilt decorated.
This is a further reprint of the original emblem book of 1533 and to it is added a later title by Perriere called “La Morosophie”, an emblem book but without Tennis images. It was published in 1553.
This book is in unused condition and it is offered at £20
“TRATTATO DEL GIVOCO DELLA PALLA”
THE 16th CENTURY ITALIAN FOUNDATION TITLE
BY
ANTONIO SCAINO DA SALO
(Born 1524; died 1612)
The original book from 1555 rarely appears; I have traded five copies in the last twenty-five years. My research from quite a few years ago disclosed the likely existence of about forty-five copies, mostly in European institutional libraries such as the Vatican and Bibliotheque Nationale. I know of only six copies in private hands.
The book was published by Gabriele Giolito de’Ferrari and brothers in Venice; it was dedicated to Alfonso d’Este (born 1535; died 1595), last Duke of Ferrara, grandson on his mother’s side of Louis Xll of France, and on his father’s side of Lucrezia Borgia. It is small 8vo usually in cream calf covers though often later bound into boards. Scaino, a priest and doctor of theology, was only 31 when this book was published. It contains six double page wood-cuts showing the court and the instruments.
075 (a): “SCAINO ON TENNIS”
1 of 250 COPIES
This is the first English translation of Scaino’s 1555 work, here published in 1951 in England in 12mo hardboards with 319 pages plus historical notes. (See photo)
The frontispiece states that this translation was done by W.W. Kershaw at the instance of C.B. Gabriel Honorary Secretary and Treasurer of The Royal Tennis Court 1932-1947, with acknowledgements, corrigenda and historical notes by P.A. Negretti. This edition is “limited to two hundred and fifty copies”, all of which were numbered and signed by Negretti.
It is remarkable that with all the pre-nineteenth century books on Tennis, just how similar the game is today as it was then. This book can hardly be described as good bed-time reading but the translation shows us that the game was popular and often considered to be good for you in terms of physical exercise.
The translation appears to follow the original faithfully and the six wood engravings of the court and the playing equipment are shown.
This copy is in very good condition and is offered at £125
075 (b): “TRATTATO DEL GIVOCO DELLA PALLA”
1 of 500 COPIES
This is the facsimile reprint of 1968 of the original Italian edition published in Italy in 12mo hardboards half marbled with calf spine and corners presented in a matching card slip-case in a print run of 500 copies. (See photo)
(There is also a paperback reprint published in 2000 in Italy.)
Other than using somewhat thicker paper, this is an exact facsimile of the original for a fraction of the cost, but purists will still want an original!
This book is in very good condition and it is offered at £150
075 (c): “SCAINO ON TENNIS”
1 of 400 COPIES
2nd English translation of 1984 published by Raquetier Productions Ltd in England in tall 4to hardboards and dust-wrapper with 200 pages; a new translation by P.A. Negretti in a print run of 400 copies. There was also a de luxe edition of 100 numbered copies in a card slip-case.
This much larger format allows the editor to present each page in two columns, with the original Italian text on the left and the English translation on the right. This makes it much easier for the reader to compare the two and enjoy the English text.
This copy is in very good condition and it is offered at £50
076 (a): “(A) TREATISE ON TENNIS”
By A Member of the Tennis Club
Robert Lukin (
Born 1772; died 1835)
THE FIRST AND RAREST ENGLISH LANGUAGE BOOK ON TENNIS
1st edition of 1822 published by Rodwell and Martin in England in small 8vo hardboards with 120 pages including a fold-out plate of the court opposite page 87. Whereas the title page says “By a Member of the Tennis Club”, this is in fact Robert Lukin who was the secretary of the James Street tennis court in London’s Haymarket. This court was certainly the most famous at that time as all the best players used it. It was demolished in 1866.
In 1991, a facsimile edition of 100 numbered copies was published by Historical Publications in Australia. This book contained a page listing the pre-publication buyers. There was also a short run of 10 copies in the proof edition, all presented in a card slip-case.
This is one of the most significant Tennis books in the Tennis bibliography as it is not only the first English language tract on Tennis of the nineteenth century, it is in fact the first major book in English ever written solely on Tennis, thus it is the foundation book for England, although quite a few books were published in Europe before this one. Nevertheless its importance cannot be underestimated.
It does not have delineated chapters as is normal: rather it is a continuous text divided into subject headings, thus for example
“On the Service”
“On the Twist”
“On Forcing” and so on.
He writes as an experienced player himself and much of his advice holds good today with regard to style and strategy.
This is only the third copy of this extremely rare Tennis book that I have been able to offer in twenty-five years. This copy is a little foxed internally and the spine has small areas of separation. But the book is tight, clean and entire in its original boards. Please contact me for pricing details.
076 (b): “(A) TREATISE ON TENNIS”
1 of 100 COPIES
1st facsimile edition of 1991 published by Ronaldson Publications in England in an edition of 100 numbered Library copies, all signed by Michael Wooldridge, whose original was used in the production of this facsimile.
Additional to the original book is a foreword by Michael Wooldridge and a page containing the names of the subscribers. It was also presented in a card slip-case.
This is I believe the first of these 1991 facsimiles I have seen back in the market.
This book is in unused condition and it is offered at £150
077 (a): “(A) TREATISE ON TENNIS”
By Samuel Smith Travers (Born 26 March 1826; died 8 March 1888)
THE FIRST AND RAREST TENNIS BOOK IN THE AUSTRALIAN BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 of 388 COPIES
This is the first facsimile reprint published in 1985 by Historical Publications in Australia in small 8vo hardboards (internally marbled) with 140 pages in a print run of 388 copies. There was also a de luxe edition in leather boards of 12 copies only. (See photo) (DE)
Smith Travers was an Englishman from London. He is noted as the father of real (called royal) tennis in Australia. He published this book in 1875, which is the same year that he built the court in Davey Street in Hobart. It is the first book on Tennis in Australia and the original is exceptionally rare with fewer than ten copies known.
The book’s 140 pages contain 14 plates and woodcuts. It is both a book about (classical) Tennis history and a book about how to play the game, though Travers himself was no more than an average player, employing the professional Thomas Stone to do the work on court.
This copy is the first I have seen in the market since publication date; it is in unused condition and it is offered at £175
077 (b): “(A) TREATISE ON TENNIS”
THIS IS THE 2012 REPRINT
1 of 150 COPIES
This is the second facsimile reprint published in 2012 by Historical Publications in Australia in small 8vo hardboards with 140 pages. This second reprint is in an edition of 150 copies of which the first 75 subscription copies are numbered 1 to 75 and these have been allocated to buyers whose names are contained in a list at the front of the book. (See photo)
At the time of writing this (March 2012) it is believed that all 75 copies have been allocated and the book is expected to be delivered into England in April 2012. It is also expected to be sold out quite quickly.
In this latest edition, in addition to the original text, there will also be a foreword by Dr. Richard Travers as well as a portrait of the author and photos of the Hobart court. The original gold-blocking and marbled end-papers will be replicated.
This copy is in unused condition and it is offered at £125
078: “TREATISE ON THE ROYAL GAME OF TENNIS”
By Louis-Claude Bruys(z)et de Manivieux (Died 1793)
THE MOST RARE FRENCH LANGUAGE BOOK ON PAUME PRIOR TO THE FRENCH REVOLUTION
1 of 300 COPIES
1st edition of 2004 in English published by Historical Publications in Victoria, Australia in 8vo green leatherette boards externally gilt decorated and with 98 pages in an edition of 300 copies. There was also a de luxe edition of 50 numbered copies. (See photo)
This book is an English translation of de Manivieux’s 1783 title “Traite sur la Connoissance du Royal Jeu de Paume, et ses principes” This is amongst the rarest books on Tennis. De Manivieux unfortunately lost his head on the guillotine in Lyon in December 1793.
In his preamble, the author claims not to be aware of any earlier book on Paume. But he has put together an amazing contemporary record of the great names of the pre-revolution period, after which Paume was very much frowned on by the authorities, hence his own demise.
He advises on how to play the game, despite being an average player himself. He also appeals for further information on the game and courts in France, but as is seen events overtook him so no second edition was published. Thus the only edition of 1783 is exceptionally rare.
All copies in Australia are now sold. This book is in unused condition and it is offered at £100
079: “TWO CENTURIES OF REAL TENNIS”
By John Shneerson
THE STORY OF THE COURT AT NEWMARKET;
1 of 300 COPIES
1st edition of 1997 published by Ronaldson Publications in England in 8vo hardboards and dust-wrapper with 86 pages in a print run of 300 copies. There was also a de luxe edition of 50 numbered copies. (See photo)
This is mainly the story of the Tennis court at Newmarket in Suffolk which fell into disuse, was converted into a garage and then a warehouse, and then was rescued by a dedicated team of enthusiasts who raised the finance and over a period of some eight years, gradually brought the old court back into use as a Tennis club.
In addition to this story, Shneerson recounts the fortunes of Tennis in Tudor times, and focuses on Sir Charles Rose, the owner of Hardwick House where there are two Tennis courts. This is a fascinating account of perhaps forgotten aspects of Tennis in England.
This book is in unused condition and it is offered at £50
IMAGES
080: “(The) AMATEUR TENNIS CHAMPION:
Mr Jay Gould in his Match with Mr. Eustace Miles”
A full sheet from “The Graphic” published on Saturday May 23 1908.
The scene shows Gould in full length action at the service end on the court at The Queen’s Club, having just played a backhand. Various gentlemen can be seen in the dedans. There is text below the image describing the match and the background to the matches these two played. In this match at Queen’s, Gould won by three sets to one.
The sheet measures overall 29cm x 39cm. The actual image measures 24cm x 24cm and it is ready to be mounted/matted and framed behind glass.
It is in very good condition and it is offered at £50
081: “(Das) BALLSPIELHAUS ZU VERSAILLES”
The Tennis Court at Versailles
Showing
The Tennis Court Oath
Taken from a contemporary German book around 1800, and the view is a well-known view of the inside of the Tennis court at Versailles where the Deputies met to vote, as the King had shut the Estates-General on 20th June 1789..
The classic view of this historic occasion is by Jacques-Louis David and the view here is one of a number of alternatives. This view shows the penthouses to good advantage. I have not previously seen a German version.
The image measures 13.5cm x 9cm, is in good condition and it is offered at £20
082: “MONSIEUR MASSON, THE TENNIS PLAYER”
1 of 50 COPIES
This is a large and well known image of the great Masson, bewigged and standing full length, racket in hand, leaning against a large pillar. (See photo which is black and white, rather than the colour of the image offered here.)
The original image was published as the Brookshaw mezzo-tint in 1769. This image is one of 50 numbered copies published by The Tennis and Rackets Association in 1992. It is described as being individually hand-coloured.
The image is mounted/ matted and nicely gilt framed behind glass. The overall dimensions are 58cm wide and 69cm tall. The actual image measures 31.5cm wide by 43cm tall.
It is in very good condition, ready to be hung on a wall and it is offered at £175
083: “(The) NEW YORK TENNIS AND RACQUET CLUB”
As portrayed in the
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN MAGAZINE
Published on APRIL 15 1893
This is the entire edition of this American newspaper, which measures 28.5cm x 40.5cm. The front cover has a full page series of cross-section drawings of the various rooms in the club. (See photo)
I note that the title is shown as “The New York Tennis and Racquet Club”, whereas the full page of text at page 232 is titled more correctly as “The Racquet and Tennis Club of New York”.
The illustrated page shows:
1 Tennis court
2 Fives court
3 Sparring rooms
4 Gymnasium
5 Fencing room
6 Card room
7 Backgammon room
8 Lounging room
9, 10 and 11 Dressing and bath rooms
12 Billiard room
13 and 14 Reading rooms
15 Hall
16 Sitting room
17 Dining room
18 Bowling alleys and shooting galleries
19 Hall
20, 21, 22 Turkish, Roman and plunge baths
23, 24, and 25 Store rooms, etc.
Turning to page 232, there is almost a full page of text describing the various facilities offered at the club as well as some brief history of Tennis which is described as “Tennis is a comparatively new game in this country, and the court pictured on the first page is the first and only one ever built in New York.”
The text page also has an engraving titled “Racquet and tennis bats and balls” and a further engraving showing the sparring room in action.
The newspaper has a total of 16 pages which concentrate on “Practical Information, Art, Science, Mechanics, Chemistry, and Manufactures.” Thus the remainder of the articles have many engravings of machinery, ships etc.
This newspaper is ready for framing behind glass; it is complete if a little darkened externally and it is offered at £75
084 (a): “PAUMIER”
By Denis Diderot (Born 5 October 1713; died 31 July 1784)
and Jean-le-Rond d’Alembert (Born 16 November 1717; died 29 October 1783)
THE ICONIC SERIES OF NINE WOOD ENGRAVINGS SHOWING 18th CENTURY TENNIS
1st edition of 1767 taken from the “Encyclopedie des Arts at Sciences” in large 4to size with nine plates. There was a later edition published in 1771. (See photo) (DE)
(As a matter of incidental information, d’Alembert was named Jean-le-Rond because he was found on the steps of a church named St. Jean-le-Rond and it was the custom at the time to name foundlings after the patron saint of the church where they were found.)
The nine plates are very tastefully bound into later green boards. The plates remain together as one unit.
l: Paulmerie, Jeu de Paulme et Construction de la Raquette
ll: Paulmerie, Instrumens de Paulme
lll: Paulmerie, Instrumens de Paulme
lV: Paulmerie, Instrumens de Paulme et de Billard
V: Paulmerie, Salle de Billard et Instrumens de Billard
Vl: Paulmerie, Plan au Rez de Chaussee d’un Jeu de Paulme quarre et Salle de Billard
Vll: Paulmerie, Plan audesous des murs du Jeu de Paulme quarre
Vlll: Paulmerie, Coupes du Jeu de paulme quarre
lX: Paulmerie, Plans du Rez de Chaussee et audessus des murs d’un Jeu de Paulme a dedans
This set is still bound together in tasteful green boards and can be kept as such or separated for mounting/matting and framing behind glass. The condition is excellent.
This set is in beautiful clean condition and it is offered at £350
084 (b): “PAUMIER”
This is the larger format being about folio size. This set is also bound together as one unit including the contents page and the nine plates listed as above.
This set has small signs of very old worm and there is also some sign of very minor water staining mainly in the lower portions of the plates but it is very indistinct. This set would probably benefit from separating and hanging as framed items.
Otherwise it is a very nice example of the iconic Diderot and as such it is offered at £350
085: “PETER LATHAM”
(Born 1865; died 1953)
This is a large black and white photograph showing Latham full length in tennis attire holding his Tennis racket across his body. The external measurements are 53cm wide by 75cm tall; the image measurements are 27.5cm wide by 53cm tall.
There is a signature “Peter Latham” at the foot of the photograph but I cannot attest that the signature is his. Also at the foot of the photograph is a list of Latham’s World Championships matches at Rackets and Tennis:
1887. Rackets. Beat Joe Gray, Rugby and Manchester, 7 games to 4.
1888. Rackets. Beat Walter Gray, Queen’s Club and Charterhouse, 7 games to 4.
1892. Rackets. Beat George Standing, Prince’s Club and Queen’s Club, 5 games to 0.
1895. Tennis. Beat Charles Saunders at Brighton, 7 sets to 3.
1897. Rackets. Beat George Standing, Queen’s Club and New York, 6 games to 4.
1898. Tennis. Beat Tom Pettit, Boston at Brighton, 7 sets to 0.
1901. Rackets. Beat Gilbert Browne, Queen’s Club and Prince’s, 5 games to 0.
1902. Retired from Rackets Championship.
1904. Tennis. Beat Cecil Fairs, Home and Home, 7 sets to 5.
1907. Tennis. Beat Cecil Fairs, at Brighton, 7 sets to 3.
1908. Retired from Tennis Championship.
The photograph is mounted/matted and framed behind glass. There is evidence of staining and darkening, some of which impinges onto the image. It is very nicely framed, and it is offered at £1500
086: “PIERRE ETCHEBASTER
DRINKS HIRAM WALKER’S IMPERIAL WHISKEY”
This is an original full page advertisement taken from an American magazine published in 1954. The page measures 25.5cm wide and 35cm tall; it is loose and ready to be matted/mounted and framed behind glass.
The full colour image shows Pierre from the waist up in tennis attire holding a generous glass of whiskey and ice, a large bottle alongside him absolutely full, so I suppose the whiskey in his glass came from the earlier bottle!
The legend says: “PIERRE ETCHEBASTER: Supreme master of court tennis, he retired undefeated after 26 years as world champion of this tricky, rugged game…where walls, roof, gallery, floor and net are used in play.” Well…. if Pierre used the roof for play, that might explain his prowess!
This item is in very good condition and it is offered at £50
087: “(A) WORLD’S CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH:
Latham versus Standing,
New York, 1899”
A small black and white photo (12.5cm x 6.5cm) taken from the back of the rackets court showing both players on a court at the (New York) Racquet and Tennis Club.
This item is matted/mounted, ready for framing behind glass and it is offered at £20
088 (a): “GAMES WITH THE BALL….TENNIS
The Court at LORD'S’
This well known view is of the interior of the old court at Lord’s, demolished in the latter part of the nineteenth century. The image is taken from a very large book compiled by Henry Downes Miles. There were at least two editions, the first being called “English Country Life” of 1860 and the second being called “British Field Sports” c1875.
The image shows a men’s doubles from the dedans, a marker at the net. The image is sometimes seen having been hand-coloured but this appears to be the original steel engraving.
It is matted/mo8nted and framed behind glass. The image measures 25cm x 18.5cm; the exterior of the frame measures 40cm x 34cm. The frame is an attractive gilt wood.
This item is in very good condition and it is offered at £125
088 (b): “GAMES WITH THE BALL….TENNIS
The Court at LORD’S”
This is another example of the Court at Lord’s which shows some signs of very light hand colouring.
It is matted/mounted and framed behind glass. The image measures 25cm x 18.5cm; the exterior measures 37.5cm x 32cm. The frame is an ornate black and white decorated and appears to be of Victorian date.
This item is in very good condition and it is offered at £125
089: “MONSIEUR MASSON, the TENNIS PLAYER”
1 of 150 COPIES
This is the smaller version of item 082, once again showing the great Masson, bewigged and standing full length, racket in hand, leaning against a large pillar.
This was issued by the Tennis and Rackets Association in 1992, and the image was taken from the copy on the walls of The Queen’s Club. The original is a mezzo-tint by Brookshaw dated 1769. This item is framed behind glass and is in a tasteful gilt decorated frame.
This item is in very good condition and it is offered at £75
090: “VIEW FROM THE MARKER’S CHAIR
Canford Real Tennis Club”
1 of 50 COPIES
This is a numbered Artist’s Proof (1 of 50 copies) from c2007 from an original water-colour painted by Abigail McDougall. It shows a somewhat highly coloured view of the old court at Canford School.
The image measures 38cm x 21cm; the external measurements of the cream mount in which it is contained are 50cm x 40cm.
This item is in mint condition and it is offered at £50
LATE ENTRIES TO THE CATALOGUE
091: “MORE THAN A YARD WORSE…”
By Jonathan Howell
1st standard edition of 1995 published by Ronaldson Publications in England in small 8vo hardboards and dust-wrapper in an edition of 700 copies. There was also a de luxe edition of 50 copies. The book has a foreword by HRH The Prince Edward, himself a keen player of Tennis.
This is the amusing and very readable account of the early life of Tennis Professional Jonathan Howell, who variously steered the development and success of the courts at Moreton Morrell, Bordeaux (now about to close), and The Oratory School near Reading.
He discusses and describes the many characters he has met in Tennis, the courts on which he has played, the tournaments which he competed, and the clubs where he has worked. The book offers a fascinating insight into the world of the Tennis Professional and how he sees the game has changed since his first appointment in 1978. He is now at the Royal Melbourne Tennis Club.
The book finishes with equally interesting anecdotes and comments by and about the leading players of his period, including Howard Angus, Chris Ronaldson, Wayne Davies, Penny Lumley, Sally Jones, Rob Fahey and Julian Snow.
This copy is in very good condition save for some degree of sun fading on the spine and the presence on the title page of a short personalised dedication by the author. This book is offered at £50
092: “TENNIS: A CUT ABOVE THE REST”
By Chris Ronaldson
(See also Item 64)
THE LIBRARY EDITION 1 OF 100 COPIES
1st Library edition of 1985 published by Ronaldson Publications in England in green and gold decorated leatherette boards internally marbled in a dust-wrapper with 172 pages all page edges gilt in a numbered print run of 100 copies, all copies signed by the author. This is number 74. (See photo)
This is the first Tennis coaching title to be published since the 1930s and therefore it was long overdue. This was well proved by the fact that it is now in its fifth edition, all previous editions having been sold of 500 copies.
Chris was for many years Professional at The Royal Tennis Court and then moved to the newly built court at Radley where he is successfully building up the Tennis interest there. As a world champion, Chris is more qualified than most to write this book which also contains a very readable account of his own life and times in Tennis.
The coaching chapters are nicely illustrated with clearly understandable line drawings supported by many photos of Chris demonstrating the services and the shots he describes.
This copy is signed and dated 19/4/85 by the author, and it is in unused condition as you will find. It is offered at £125
093: “(The) BASQUE GAME OF PELOTA”
also titled: “Euskaldunen Pilota Jokoa”; El Juego Vasco de la Pelota”; “Le Jeu Basque de la Pelote”
edited by Dra Amaia Basterretxea
THE ULTIMATE REFERENCE WORK ON PELOTA/PELOTE
1st edition of 2009 published by the Euskal Museo in Spain in very large paperback format presented in landscape format with 653 pages.
This book has just come to my attention despite having been available for nearly three years. It is a substantial history and description of the Basque game of Pelota/Pelote. (See photo)
It is written in Basque, Spanish, French and English to recognise the parts of the world where it is played so passionately, i.e. Spain, France, Florida and Latin America. Each page has the text in all four languages.
Its contents are:
Preface
Presentation
Acknowledgements
The Basque Game of Pelota
Brief Notes on Ball Games in Spain
Ball Games in the Basque Country
Conclusion
The Player, His Hands and His Sporting Life
Photography Catalogue
Bibliography
There are very many illustrations from the medieval period, and images from emblem books. Great emphasis is placed on the early history of European ball games out of which Pelota emerged. The bulk of the book is taken up with much detail on the recent and the modern game, its places of play, its leading players and their matches. These sections are also profusely illustrated with a great many colour photos.
This book can be ordered by direct contact with the Euskal Museo in Bilbao by writing to abaster@euskal-museoa.org
094: “(The) ART OF SQUASH RACKETS"
By F.D. Amr Bey
(Born 14 February 1910)
SIGNED BY THE GREAT AMR AND HIS PROFESSIONAL OF THE 1930s, OKE JOHNSON OF THE RAC
1st edition of 1934 published by Chapman and Hall Ltd. in England in 8vo hardboards and dust-wrapper with black and white action photo of the Amr tipped onto the front with 144 pages. (See photo)
The Egyptian rapidly became a legend in 1930s English squash rackets. In 1928, he came over to take a junior role in the Egyptian Embassy. He was selected to play Davis Cup tennis for Egypt and used The Queen’s Club to get used to grass. It poured with rain in the build-up days, so desperate for some exercise, he took to the squash court with a young professional called Dan Maskell, whom he beat within two days.
He was so taken with the new game that he devoted all his time to learning finesse under the watchful eye of RAC Professional ‘Oke’ Johnson. Within only three years, he won the Amateur Championship in 1931, beating the best player of the 1920s, W.D. McPherson; he not only retained the title in 1932, he also won the Open Championship beating the equally brilliant Don Butcher; and successfully defended his title in 1935 again against Butcher.
His book is a splendid coaching manual wherein he lays out all the wisdom he has gleaned from Johnson and through his many matches for the Bath Club in the Bath Club Cup which he dominated for several seasons in the 1930s.
He became very Anglicised and as such was an obvious candidate as Egyptian Ambassador to the Court of St. James (1945 to 1952) under the regime of King Farouk, until that man’s downfall in the early 1950s. Amr Pasha (as he became known) continued to live quietly near Reading after the downfall of the King, and eventually returned to Egypt where he spent many hours watching the play at the Gezira Club. I have been unable to locate the date of his death.
His full name was Abdelfattah David Amr; “Bey” is a title of Egyptian nobility. The very high courtesy title of “Pasha” was given to him in 1943. Amr is still considered to be the first really dominant player of squash rackets.
This copy of the book and its dust-wrapper are in very good condition. The book is signed internally by “F Amr” and “OKe Johnson” (sic), probably the greatest amateur and his equally great Professional and incumbent of the position that was to be inherited by the legendary Jack Giles so many years later.
With these two iconic and historically important signatures, this book is offered at £500
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