Book of Games

Cram, David, et al. Francis Willughby's Book of Games: A Seventeenth-Century Treatise on Sports, Games and Pastimes. Ashgate Publishing, 2003.

Francis Willughby’s Book of Games is an extraordinary manuscript from the 1660s that offers a rare and invaluable insight into the recreational activities of 17th-century England. Left unfinished at Willughby’s untimely death in 1672, the manuscript captures a broad spectrum of sports, games, and pastimes enjoyed during the period. These range from popular outdoor sports like football and hurling to indoor games such as cards and dice. Willughby, a naturalist and a member of the Royal Society, approached this work with the same scientific rigor he applied to his studies of natural history. He systematically documented the rules and customs surrounding these activities, often including accompanying sketches to clarify points of play. The manuscript also contains fascinating anecdotes, such as instructions for the care of fighting cocks, and includes a particularly poignant section on children's games.

This edition, meticulously annotated by editors David Cram, Jeffrey L. Forgeng, and Dorothy Johnston, provides comprehensive historical and cultural context to complement Willughby’s observations. The editors explore the social significance of these games, detailing not only how they were played but also their cultural and material importance within 17th-century society. They highlight the different roles games played, from children’s amusements to complex sports favored by the aristocracy, giving readers a vivid snapshot of the daily life, language, and customs of the time. By examining these pastimes through a scientific lens, Willughby’s manuscript stands out as a unique blend of natural history and early modern social documentation.

The 2003 edition also features supplementary materials that enrich the reader’s understanding of Willughby’s work. A biography of Willughby is included, as well as a glossary of games and obsolete terms, making the text accessible to modern readers. A bibliography of his literary remains provides additional resources for further study. Despite its incomplete form, Francis Willughby's Book of Games is a treasure trove of information for historians, scholars of leisure studies, and anyone interested in the history of sports and games. This publication serves as both a historical document and an essential resource for those studying early modern England.

First Edition. 344 pages illustrated. A very good copy in green cloth with gilt title on front and spine still clear and bright. No dust jacket issued. Prior owner address label on front sheet.  ISBN: 9781859284605 / 1859284604. Asking $110.