The first printing of the 1788 MCC Laws of Cricket in a newspaper, in a complete and original comple...
The first printing of the 1788 MCC Laws of Cricket in a newspaper, in a complete and original complete 8-page edition of The London Chronicle No. 5,119 for 25th to 28th July 1789, measuring 12 by 9in., set in three columns, the middle column of p.3 (numbered 91 in the publisher's sequence) is headed CRICKET, and after an introductory preamble about the English summer weather (!!!) there is a sub-heading titled LAWS OF THE GAME, which occupy one and one third columns, in very fine condition and with decorative red tax stamp The Marylebone Cricket Club was formed in 1787 and produced the first official Laws of the Game in 1788. Extensive research in contemporary journals has failed to produce an earlier printing in any other newspaper. The need for an official set of laws arose partly from the substantial wagers on matches played between teams whose patrons were English aristocrats like Charles Lennox, 2nd Duke of Richmond. Reports show that numbers of 18th century cricket matches ended in violence as results were disputed, and these printed MCC laws end with a section on 'Betts'. The London Chronicle was a news-packed, thrice-weekly paper published by the author, poet, playwright, publisher editor and bookseller Robert Dodsley, who was a close friend of Samuel Johnson. It ran from 1757 until 1806. Eighteenth century papers were hand-printed on thicker and more robust paper made from rags and linen, which does not deteriorate like modern newsprint. This 220-year-old example is in outstanding condition with crisp printing on off-white untrimmed deckle edged sheets. There are 3 tiny holes in the first page which do not affect legibility. There is also a complete and very attractive (and collectable) red newspaper tax stamp at the foot of page 2. On February 16 this year a copy of the hand-written 1744 Laws of the Game of Cricket, printed around the edge of a large silk handkerchief, sold at auction for