A Dutch 17th century book by Crispijn de Passe titled ‘Academia sive speculum vitae scholasticae’ containing a beautiful and early engraving of Real T
£4,000 - £5,000
A Dutch 17th century book by Crispijn de Passe titled ‘Academia sive speculum vitae scholasticae’ containing a beautiful and early engraving of Real Tennis, Published in Arnhem, Johannes Janssonius, 1612, oblong 4to., complete suite composed of an engraved and illustrated title, a dedication sheet, and 16 engraved plates with legend printed opposite, rare volume with plates illustrating the life of students at the beginning of the 17th century, the legend of the tennis engraving translates: “As the racquets send the small balls flying back and forth,/The young keep their bodies and minds constantly engaged./For the ball restores the strength in the weakened body,/But rests the mind overwhelmed by ceasless study", as well as tennis, subjects including fencing, the library, graduation, dance, music, painting, womanising etc., in a modern binding