Trattato Del Giuoco Della Palla Di Messer Antonio Scaino Da Salò, Diviso In Tre Parti. Con Due Tavole, L'Una De Capitoli, l'atra delle cose piu notabili, che in esso si contengono. Con Privilegio.
In Vinegia: Appresso Gabriel Giolito De' Ferrari, Et Fratelli., M D LV.
Physical Description
[32], 315, [3] p.: illus.; 146 mm. (Octavo.)
Contents
[T.p., dedic.] - Antonio Scaino, A I Lettori - Tavola De I Capitoli ... - Tavola Delle Cose Piu Notabili, Che Nel Trattato Si Contengono - [Text] - Errori Occorsi Nello Stampare - Registro; [colophon] - [Publisher's device].
Responsibility Note
The illustrations are unsigned.
The publishers' names are repeated in the colophon.
The work is dedicated by Antonio Scaino to Alfonso Da Este Prencipe [afterwards Duke] Di Ferrara.
References
The first English version (Scaino on tennis, tr. W.W. Kershaw) was published in 1951 (London: Strangeways Press for C.B. Gabriel). Another (Treatise on the game of the ball) was published in 1984 (London: Raquetier Productions).
Summary Note
This was the first text printed about tennis. The author includes descriptions of some other ball-games; but the illustrations show only tennis equipment and courts. The text is also enlivened with many decorated initials.
The list of 'Errori' after mentioning nineteen errors adds, 'Et molti altri, che sono di poco momento, si lasciano all'avvertito giudicio de i Lettori.'
Reproductions
Facsimiles have been published (Salerno: Casari, n.d.) (Urbino: Quattroventi, 2000).
Provenance
The verso of the front loose endpaper is inscribed in pencil, 'S.A.H', i.e. S.A. Hart, librarian of the Royal Academy 1864-81.
Copy Note
The front loose endpaper is inscribed in ink (in Italian?); and in pencil, 'Games Tennis'. The rear loose endpaper is inscribed in pencil with page-references.