The Royall Game of Chesse-Play, Sometimes the Recreation of the late King, with many of the Nobility. Illustrated with almost an Hundred Gambetts. Being the Study of Biochimo the Famous Italian.
London: Printed for Henry Harriman, 1656. First edition. Hardcover. Very good. Item #21872 .
12mo. (14),120,(2). Plate of chessboard present. Contemporary sheep, blind rules on the boards. Light dampstain across the top, the leather cracked and rubbed, especially at the spine, lacking the preliminary blank and the portrait of the King, else a very good copy. Makes one wonder if the portrait of Charles II was deliberately destroyed.
A translation by Francis Beale of Trattato del Nobilissimo Giuco degli Scacchi by Giachino Greco and consists of 94 chess gambits. Contains the first documented use of 'castle' as a chess verb, according to the OED.
ESTC R23418; Wing G1810.
Price: $7,500.00