[Joseph LAUTHIER].

  2. Result
  3. [Joseph LAUTHIER].
  4. Lot n° 33 
Lot n° 33
Go to lot
Estimation :
2000 - 3000 EUR
Result with fees
Result : 3 840EUR
[Joseph LAUTHIER].
New rules for the mail game. Both on how to play well, and to decide the various events that can happen in this game. Paris, Charles Huguier and André Cailleau, 1717. In-12, calf leather, spine with 5 nerves, nicely decorated, modern slipcase (contemporary binding). (2f.)-59-(2f.). Very rare first edition of this book describing the rules of the game of mail, the ancestor of golf and croquet. According to our research, it seems to be the first printed book on this subject. The game of mall consists of going along defined paths and crossings, more or less long, by pushing a ball that one hits by means of a mall. The edges of the path serve as lateral boundaries and the player must hit his ball from the start to a stone that he must touch. If the ball goes off the path, falls into a field, into water, rolls under a stone, the player is bound by certain rules to get it out of these difficulties. This game is the ancestor of the games of boules and mallets such as golf or croquet. The work is generally attributed to Joseph Lauthier because the privilege specifies that Ours beloved Joseph Lauthier, one of our Secretaries Counsellors, House, Crown of France, made us expose that having in his possession a small Writing which has for title, "News Rules for the Mail Game"..., he very humbly made us beg him to want to grant a Privilege. So if Lauthier is not the author of this text, he is the one thanks to whom it was published. The book is illustrated with 4 copper-engraved non-text plates representing the different positions of the player and the way to hold the mail. Reverse ex-libris on the second counterplate, from the library of the Earls of Macclesfield with dry stamp on the first 3 sheets and library code on one guard. Superb copy in calf of the time. It is in very good condition, the hinges have been very skillfully restored and it is free from any damage.
My orders
Sale information
Sales conditions
Return to catalogue