The rare editions of ''Mr Punch's'' Pocket Book for 1877 and 1878, both with extending printed frontispieces with illustrations of lawn tennis in play

The rare editions of ''Mr Punch's'' Pocket Book for 1877 and 1878, both with extending printed frontispieces with illustrations of lawn tennis in play, the 1877 frontispiece titled ''The Autumn (matrimonial) Manoeuvres!'', illustration by Charles Keene with a further illustration by Linley Sambourne opposite page 63 of a surreal multi-racket player entwined in the net; the 1878 frontispiece titled ''Mr Punch's Reading Party'', illustration by John Tenniel with a satirical description of ''Episcopal Lawn-Tennis Match at Lord's'' Page 182 (2) These pocket books were published by The Punch Office from 1843 to 1881. Other examples ''Polo For The People'' and ''A Croquet Match'' are offered elsewhere in this auction as lots 14 and 456 respectively. The books contain a calendar, cash account, diary and memoranda for every day of the year. Also a variety of useful business information followed by Part II satirical verses and poems with illustrations. Production ceased suddenly after 1881 without any notice, as they had become out-dated and too expensive at two shillings and six pence, far exceeding the average weekly wage for many working people.