LIVRES FRANCAIS; NEW TITLES; SO MANY FAREWELLS; WEB-SITES; UNUSUAL REAL TENNIS TITLES; WIMBLEDON ANNUAL 2006

INTRODUCTION: There has been quite a long gap since the publication of my last Newsletter (No 61 in March); for me the last few months have been really hectic, with the usual four weeks away at Queen’s Club, Eastbourne and then Wimbledon.

** It may be that my printed Newsletter frequency will settle on either two or three a year. As an experiment, this newsletter is mostly available on request for those living outside the UK but it is now on www.tennisbookshop.com. The website also contains photographs of a number of the listed items from Newsletter 62 and these are marked (P). I have been making considerable use of e-mail distribution and this saves huge quantities of paper as well as considerable postage costs. Amazingly my e-mail address list now far exceeds my ordinary mailing list.

** As with e-Bay, there are still many people who are uneasy with e-mailing and the concept of transmitting credit card details. From my own experience, I have traded heavily on e-Bay and I buy books from most countries round the world on a daily basis, and each of these trades is always funded without any problems either by credit card or by Paypal. I am set up to accept payments by either of these international methods.

BLACKROCK MASTERS AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL:
Running from Tuesday 5th to Sunday 10th December, the magnificent Masters event this year celebrates its 10th anniversary. As always, some of the great names in tennis will be in London to fight for the US$100,000 prize. Players who have already qualified for London are John McEnroe, Marcelo Rios, Thomas Muster, Cedric Piolene, and Sergei Bruguera.

Others expected include Goran Ivanisevic, Pat Cash, Henri Leconte, and Richard Krajicek; the highly entertaining doubles event will include Tom Gullikson, Jacco Eltingh, Mark Woodforde, Mats Wilander, Peter McNamara and of course the irrepressible Mansour Bahrami. This year, Mansour has released a DVD (see item 01) and he will be signing copies at The Tennis Bookshop stand in the main entrance hall.

Tickets for the week can be obtained on line at www.theblackrockmasters.com or from the box office on 0870-458 3665

	Item 01

01: MANSOUR BAHRAMI DVD:
Issued in June 2006 and to be heavily featured at the Royal Albert Hall in December, here is Mansour’s highly entertaining double DVD, including interviews with French sub-titles, tributes from great players, highlights of his amazing career, and the entire hilarious match with Boris Becker, Henri Leconte and Ilie Nastase at the Royal Albert Hall in December 2004. Running time is 4 hours. (P) £15/US$30

QUEEN’S CLUB, EASTBOURNE, WIMBLEDON:
We were blessed with great weather and great entries for the Stella Artois and the Hastings Direct. Great weather suits the tournament organisers, the players and the spectators, but excuse me if I say not always The Tennis Bookshop! But business was very brisk and the crowds were considerable. Indeed I wonder if The Queen’s Club can actually get any more people through the gate. Devonshire Park looked lovely as always and the new village was a great improvement. Thanks to the very large number of customers, old and new who came into the shop to buy and say hello.

At The Championships, the first day was rather damp, but otherwise the good weather held throughout the Fortnight. New management at the All England Club provided a seamless continuation with previous years, though the middle Saturday required some nifty footwork! Federer and Mauresmo have proved to be worthy champions. Centre Court 2007 will have no roof. You have been warned!

DES LIVRES FRANCAIS
That’s enough in French, which I do speak reasonably, but as many would say I still struggle in English, English it is!

02: “La Coupe Davis Juillet 1928”:
This splendid paperback book of 48 pages (15cm x 23.5cm) is a celebration of the great French victory over the USA in the Davis Cup Final played at Roland-Garros from 27 to 30 July 1928. Each of the five ties is briefly described and illustrated with photos of the protagonists. The match was live right up to the 5th match, which was won by Lacoste over Hennessy. Not a book I have seen previously. £100/US$185

04: “Suzanne Lenglen Autograph”:
(in pencil) on a small advertising sheet for the charity Exhibition Lawn Tennis Matches played on July 4th 1921 at Lady Wavertree’s house in Regent’s Park in London. Other players who have also signed this sheet are William T Tilden 2nd and Brian Norton. Other players present that day are Miss Ryan, Mrs Larcombe, Miss McKane, Mrs Mallory, Mrs Lambert Chambers, M Alonso, H Roper Barrett, A W Gore and others of that quality and fame. Suzanne’s signature is typically bold and underlined, but Tilden’s is perhaps a little shaky! (P) £300/US$525

	Item 05

05: “The Cottage, Cannes Tennis Club Guest Book 1924”:
This amazing book is the guest book for a tennis club in Cannes, South of France. I have tried and failed to find any mention of “The Cottage” but assume it refers to the club-house. I would appreciate any input on this. Someone must know to what it refers. Anyway it is the guest book and as such has been signed by a huge number of 1920s celebrities and socialites. The hand-writing of these people is something to be seen, as in those days most people had very distinctive writing.

Names which immediately spring out of the pages include Suzanne Lenglen, (Lady) Sophie Wavertree (see the item immediately above), Phyllis Satterthwaite (English tennis player), Diddie Vlasto (Suzanne Lenglen’s doubles partner and probable lover), Regine Vlasto (mother of Diddie), Max Decugis (French tennis player), Poppy Baring (mistress of the Prince of Wales), Rosa Lewis (known as The Duchess of Duke Street and owner of a notorious hotel in the West End of London), Tallulah (Bankhead), Suzanne Lenglen again together with Claude Anet (Suzanne’s biographer), Laddie Cliff (film star), Helen Wills, (the Marquess of) Milford Haven, (Prince) George (of Greece), (Prince) Harry Kent (of England and uncle to Queen Elizabeth ll)), and many others too difficult to decipher or whose names mean little to me.

Many signatories have added little vignette drawings, others have written personal dedications. The majority of dates refers to the mid 1920s; the last date is 1947. Especially significant is the signature of Helen Wills who has added after her name “California” in such a manner as to lead me to assume she was uncertain that anyone would know who she was. This signature therefore probably coincides with the great Cannes match against Suzanne Lenglen. This lovely book is in very good condition and is a unique record of the comings and goings at the major tennis club in Cannes, which was for many years the centre of upper class European social life. (P) £2500/US$4750

INTERESTING RACKET SPORTS WEB-SITES
www.ronaldsonpublications.co.uk Publishers of recent books on Real Tennis.
www.mariabueno.org A long overdue tribute to one of the most skilful and beautiful lady lawn tennis players ever!
www.raquetas.net Igor Del Busto’s collection of tennis memorabilia. www.manista.com for followers of Pelota
www.tennismundo.com A new web-site which is an all-purpose site for tennis fans. www.rackets.co.uk for followers of Rackets
www.realtennisonline.com A must-visit site for all those of you interested in the marvellous game of Real/Court Tennis.
www.tennisandrackets.com The website for the Tennis and Rackets Association, the global governing body for Real Tennis and Rackets.
www.petworthrealtennis.com The new website for members of PHTC, including fascinating histories of Tennis at Petworth. (ready end of October)

SPORTS/TENNIS AUCTIONS 2006: 15th November at Christie’s South Kensington; 4th & 5th December at Mullock Madeley.

BOOKS RELATED TO SQUASH RACKETS

	Item 06

06: A PANOPLY OF INTERNATIONAL SQUASH GREATS: This is a small booklet which recognises a few sports greats across the world, amongst whom is Jahangir Khan. The front cover is signed externally by British Open Squash Champions Hashim Khan, Roshan Khan, Azam Khan, Qamar Zaman, and Jahangir Khan; additionally there are losing finalists Chris Dittmar and Ross Norman. A check of the record shows that between them, they have won the British Open Championships a remarkable 23 times, with the last two runner-up 6 times. (P) £150/US$275

07: “Squash Rackets Association Annuals” have been published since about 1928. They were mostly UK orientated for the first few years and gradually became more international. For squash stats fans, they are full of match and event results.
1947/48, 1948/49, 1956/57, 1958/59, 1960/61, 1962/63, 1963/64, 1964/65, 1965/66, 1966/67, 1967/68, 1968/69, 1969/70, 1970/71, 1971/72, 1972/73, 1973/74, 1974/75, 1975/76, 1976/77, 1978/79, 1979/80, 1980/81, 1985/86, 1986/87, 1991/92, 1993/94, 1994/95, 1995/96, 1997/98. Each at £15/US$25

08: “The Squash Rackets Annual 1937-38” edited by Hubert Winterbotham; 230 pages in small 8vo hardboards. This squash annual followed the same concept as the Lowe’s and Ayre’s Lawn Tennis Almanacks of the same period and as such this squash annual is certainly the best ever written. For students of early squash history, the player biogs and results of pre-2nd World War matches and events are especially memorable. £100/US$185

FAREWELL TO: The following major racket sports personalities have died since the publication of Newsletter 61.

Phyllis Evelyn King nee Mudford (born 23 August 1905; died 27 January 2006). A stalwart English player of the 1930s, whose top result was winning the Wimbledon Ladies’ Doubles in 1931 with Mrs Shepherd-Barron, and she was runner-up in 1937. Her forte was doubles in which she had much success, and she died well into her 101sst year of life.

Kenneth Norman “Ken” Fletcher (born 15 June 1940; died 11 February 2006). One of the most engaging of Australian tennis players, who made a speciality of doubles events, though his singles record included three quarter-finals at Wimbledon. With Margaret Smith, he won the Mixed Doubles Grand Slam in 1963; he reached the Wimbledon Doubles semis with John Newcombe and was Doubles runner-up with Bob Hewitt.

Eugene Lytton “Gene” Scott (born 28 December 1937; died 20 March 2006). I have known Gene for all the 30 years I have worked with the journalists at Wimbledon, throughout which time he has been the publisher and editor of Tennis Week magazine, consistently producing the highest quality tennis news and reports. His sudden death shocked and saddened the tennis world; I shall greatly miss our lengthy chats. He was also a consummate lawn tennis player reaching the semis of the US Open in 1967, and he was US national Court Tennis champion.

Henry George Macintosh (born 05 March 1929; died 22 April 2006). Henry was a superb squash player at whose hands I suffered on more than one occasion in the early 1970s. He was also a gifted hockey player and latterly a competitive Real Tennis player who gave many hours of voluntary work to the Tennis & Rackets Association in matters related to Professional qualification.

Frederick Rudolph “Ted” Schroeder (born 20 July 1921; died 26 May 2006). Definitely a face I missed this year at Wimbledon, Ted often frequented the Press area, expounding his forthright views on this or that player. Famed mostly for his Wimbledon Men’s Singles title in 1949 when he beat the fast improving Jaroslav Drobny in 5 sets, he had more success in doubles both in the US Nationals with Jack Kramer and Louise Brough; he was runner-up in the Wimbledon Doubles in 1949 with Gardnar Mulloy

NEW WIMBLEDON MUSEUM OPENED BY DUKE OF KENT
I was delighted to be invited to the official opening of the new Wimbledon Museum on 12th April. The AELTC President, HRH The Duke of Kent, announced the museum open at a reception and heaped much well deserved praise on the curator Honor Godfrey. My feeling is that you should forget the presentation and lay-out of the old museum and go to the new museum with a completely open mind. It is a major leap into this new 21st century, and it will undoubtedly be a major attraction, not only during the Championships, but also throughout the year.

And let us not forget the new Library adjacent to the Museum, where you can see the amazing collection of tennis literature assembled over many years by Hon. Librarian Alan Little. A few weeks ago I made a special trip for a quiet view; at £7.50 for adults to include complimentary personal audio facilities in many languages, a mini-cinema, and window displays on a themed basis round every corner, this tour took over 90 minutes and I still felt there was more to see. Be sure not to miss it on your next visit to London.

NEW TITLES: Here is a short list of some of the latest tennis titles.
09: “Andrew Murray Wonderboy” by Euan Reedie; 276 pages in paperback edition of 2006. The two Murray books hit the high street almost the same week and just in time for the Stella. The UK public interest is gathering pace and these titles will be useful additions to our knowledge. £10/US$20

10: “Andy Murray, The Story So Far….” By Rob Robertson and Eleanor Preston; 319 pages in paperback edition of 2006. His progress is so fast that it is hard to keep up with him. These new books serve to fill in some of the gaps on what we already know about the young superstar. £10/US$20

11: “Anna Kournikova” by Karen Farrington; 1st UK edition of 2001; 80 pages in large 4to paperback format. This one passed me by and probably just as well, but here is just one copy of a very photographic oriented tribute to a former tennis player. Whatever happened to her? £10/US$20

12: “Fantastic Federer” by Chris Bowers; 262 pages in hardboards and dust-jacket; 2006. At last a good book on a player who is undoubtedly the best in the world, despite his recent amazing defeat by Murray. This book sold very well and is clearly the leading Federer title at present. £15/US$30

13: “Randolph Lycett Tennis Player; Britain’s finest from 1920-1925” by Peter Kettle; 148 pages in large format paperback edition of 2005. Published privately in Australia, here is one man’s personal tribute to a great tennis player who it seems has been rather overlooked. Brother-in-law to Bunny Austin, he was a great player of the immediate post Great War period whose speciality was doubles. The book is comprehensively researched with many pages of references and it is illustrated with photos. Lycett’s entire playing record can be found at the back of the book. £20/US$40

14: “Roma 2006 I Gladiatori del Foro” by Ubaldo Scanagatta; 116 pages in paper covers. Here is the 6th edition of Ubaldo’s excellent study of all that matters in the Italian Open, from its first appearance in 1930 right up to the modern era. Stats, records, results biogs, all are here. (P) £15/US$25

15: “Tennis Experience And All That…(A)” by Alex B. Aitchison, 1st USA paperback edition of 2006; 207 pages in paperback. This is a very nice story about one of those men who are the backbone of tennis which he has served all his life as a volunteer organiser and coach. £10/US$15

Item 14	Item 16

16: “Tennis Record Book 2006” by Rino Tommasi; 315 pages in large format paper covers. Here is the 7th edition of Rino’s amazing statfest which every armchair TV fan should have at his/her elbow. All the ranking lists since 1923, the last 8’s at all the Grand Slams, every draw for 2005 (men and women), all the top 100 lists since inception, player achievement lists, and much much more. (P) £25/US$50

17: “Winners in Action: The complete story of the Dunlop Slazenger Sports Companies” by Brian Simpson; 1st edition of 2005; 283 pages in large format hardboards and dust-jacket. Here is a new book whose title says it all. It is a fascinating title for players of ball sports, especially tennis, squash and golf. The parallel development of the two iconic companies is well detailed and researched, with plenty of photos of events, places and personalities. Then in 1998 they joined together and remain a foremost name in sports equipment on a world-wide basis. It’s a heavy book! £25/US$50

WIMBLEDON PUBLICATIONS: Note that the Wimbledon Annual for 2006 by Neil Harman is now available.
18: “Wimbledon Annuals”: Here are my current prices for all of the previous 23 editions running from 1983 to 2005.
Each at £10/US$20: 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1992, 1996, 1998; Each at £20/US$40: 1999, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2005; Each at £40/US$75: 2001, 2003
Each at £50/US$95: 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997; Each at £75/US$140: 1990, 1991; Each at £135/US$250: 1983, 1984, 1985

19: “Wimbledon Annual 2006” by Neil Harman; 160 pages in large 4to format hardboards and dust-jacket. Yet another change of publisher this year, but on time is Neil’s latest Wimbledon Annual, (the 24th edition) superbly written and illustrated with great colour photos. The book contains day by day reports through the Fortnight and at the end are all the full draw-sheets. It makes a marvellous Christmas present for tennis fans. £22/US$40

20: “Wimbledon Final Programmes”: 1980, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1986, 1993, 1995, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 Each at £15/US$30

21: “Wimbledon 2006 Final Programme”; the collectable edition containing every result in every event for this year’s Championships. £10/US$20

22: “Wimbledon: Gentlemen’s Singles Champions 1877-2005” by John Barrett and Alan Little; 195 pages in paper covers. Following the success in 2005 of the Ladies’ edition, here is the reworked and updated book giving short biogs of all the Gentlemen champions from 1877. £10/US$20

REAL/COURT TENNIS MATTERS
I have in view a substantial collection of mostly English language books starting with the Lukin of 1822 and going right up to the most recent titles. The collection is very strong on the more modern publications and all are represented by both the de luxe/library editions and the standard editions. In the next few months, I will be able to supply a full list, and the collection will be priced both as one lot and as individual lots.

WHY “REAL TENNIS”? It seemed to me to be too simplistic to say that the expression “Real Tennis” was born solely to differentiate between Tennis and the new game of Lawn Tennis. But that seems to be the way it is. I can’t find any sign of “Real Tennis” before 1875, when the game had been called “Tennis” for centuries, but in June 1875, just as Lawn Tennis is invented as its own game, I have found an advertisement from James Lillywhite which offers Lawn Tennis sets and Real Tennis bats. So maybe the simple and obvious explanation is correct. What do you think?

NEW TITLES: The following Real Tennis titles are due to be published this month and they are/will be available from The Tennis Bookshop.
23: “A Tennis Miscellany” by Michael Garnett. In an edition of 350 copies, Mike describes some disused Tennis courts, and he examines the close association between Real Tennis, Field Tennis, Longue Paume, Lawn Tennis, and Sticke. This is a wide-ranging book of great interest. £45/US$85

24: “Le Jeu de Paume: Son Histoire et Sa Description” by Edgar Chapus; English translation of the 1862 original French edition; 71 pages and 16 plates in hardboards in an edition of only 350 copies. At last this rarest of Tennis books is available in English and it will sell very quickly. £70/US$130

“The First Beautiful Game: Stories of obsession in Real Tennis” edited by Roman Krznaric. This new book “tells the human stories behind the world’s most curious sport. Top amateur Roman Krznaric discovers why real tennis players are so obsessed with their ancient game and reveals the secrets it contains about the art of living.” It is published in two editions as described at items 25 and 26 below.

25: The de luxe leather bound edition numbered and signed (70 copies only); 182 pages; available early November. £75/US$140

26: The standard paperback edition of 182 pages; immediately available. £11/US$20

27: “Royal Tennis in Renaissance Italy” by Cees de Bondt; 280 pages in hardback with 153 illustrations. Published in just one edition, this adventurous new title concentrates solely on the history and genesis of ball play in Renaissance Italy, showing how the game first played in the streets matured into the game we know today. It is brilliantly illustrated and meticulously researched over many years; immediately available. £60/US$110

	Items 28 & 29

BOOKS ABOUT REAL TENNIS
28: “Hazard Chase” by Jeremy Potter; 1st edition of 1964; 192 pages in small 8vo format in hardboards and decorative dust-jacket. This is probably the only novel set in a Real Tennis environment. It was subject to a very small print run; this 1st edition is in very good condition. (P) £125/US$235

29: “Hazard Chase” by Jeremy Potter; 1st reprinted edition of 1989; 192 pages in 8vo format in hardboards and different decorative dust-jacket. After twenty-five years, here it is again in a reprinted edition; the book continues to fascinate tennis players. It is in very good condition. (P) £60/US$110

30: “Les Jeux Sportifs de Pelote-Paume en Belgique du XlVe au XlXe siecle”; 1st French paperback edition of 1967 in 8vo format; 206 pages. With many pages still uncut, this book describes various forms of ball play which existed in Belgium, or the area it now covers, from the earliest times upto the end of the 19th century. It quotes from many historical tracts which describe contemporary ball play. £50/US$100

31: “Royal Tennis, For The Record….” by Michael Garnett; 1st edition Australia 1991 in small 8vo format hardboards (no dust-jacket issued); 110 pages. This book is in an edition of only 500 copies. Its contents are a series of lists including courts past and present, world champions, books on the game, and club emblems; with heavy emphasis on the Australian game, there are lists of newspaper reports on matches etc. This copy is in very good condition and it has a presentation inscription from the author. It is a very useful book for seekers of info on courts all over the world. £100/US$200

	Items 35 & 32

32: “Scaino on Tennis” by Antonio Scaino da Salo; 1st English edition of 1951 of the 1555 original. Here it is in an edition of only 250 numbered copies, all signed by Tony Negretti, who was an important part of the team which arranged the translation; in very good condition. (P) £250/US$475

33: “Tennis: A Cut Above the Rest” by Chris Ronaldson; 1st de luxe edition (100 numbered copies only) of 1985; 172 pages in small 8vo format internally marbled hardboards and dust-jacket, all page edges gilt. Internally signed by the author and dated 18 April 1985. With a title redolent with tennis terms, the world champion writes what is still the world’s most current coaching book on Tennis, ably describing the best technique, all illustrated with diagrams and photos of Chris in perfect position at all times. The final of three parts is a pleasant account of his life in Tennis until he became Professional at Hampton Court where he is still in post. The book is in beautiful unused condition. £250/US$475

34: “Tennis, Rackets, Fives” by Julian Marshall, Major James Spens, and Rev. J.A. Arnan Tait; 1st (?) edition of 1890; 105 pages in small 12mo hardboards format; the blue spine and boards rather faded and stained. This is an exceptionally rare title on the three sports, each of which is described by an expert, who recounts the history, the manner of play, the court and its dimensions, the definitions of terms, and the laws of play. £500/US$900

35: “Trattato del Giuoco della Palla” by Antonio Scaino da Salo; facsimile reprinted edition of 1968; 318 pages in 12mo format in hardboards externally half marbled, with calf spine and corners, published in a run limited to 500 numbered copies. This is an exact copy of the original edition of 1555 in Italian. This copy is in very good condition, presented in similarly marbled card slip-case, the book internally has a presentation inscription. There has been a small amount of external spine separation, nicely repaired. (P) £500/US$950

36: “A Treatise on Tennis” by Samuel Smith Travers; 1st standard facsimile edition of 1985 in small 8vo format hardboards (no dust-jacket issued) from the original of 1875; 106 pages plus 13 pages of plates. The 1875 original is the second most difficult Tennis book to find. It describes the history, its benefits to the body, the rules of play, technique, and other variations of ball play. This is one of only 488 copies published in Australia. £375/US$700

37: “The Willis Faber Book of Tennis & Rackets” by Lord Aberdare; 1st UK edition of 1980; 368 pages in large 4to format in hardboards and dust-jacket. The best book on Tennis and Rackets of the latter half of the 20th century, superseded by a later edition in 2000. This copy is autographed internally by top players at the Scottish Open in 1981, including Frank Willis, Graham Hyland, Kevin King, Jonathan Howell, Wayne Davies, Peter Dawes, Norwood Cripps, Walter Gregg, Howard Angus, Kevin Sheldon, David Johnson, Alan Lovell, Chris Ronaldson, Iain Tulloch, and Alistair Curley. This is an exceptional list of Tennis autographs which includes three world champions. (P) £275/US$500

Item 37	Item 39

UNUSUAL BOOKS WITH A DEGREE OF RARITY
I love books that are unusual, rare, signed, in good condition, and above all interesting. The following titles have some, several or all of these attributes.

38: “Fame!” edited by Gene Scott; 1st USA edition of 1999; 128 pages in broad 8vo hardboards and dust-jacket. Gene and friends write mini-biogs on all the inductees to the International Hall of Fame in Newport RI, since the first induction in 1955. These tennis heroes are not solely from the USA as the inductees have a very solid global theme. This particular copy is personally dedicated by Gene to Frank Sedgman. £75/US$140

39: “Fifty Years of Lawn Tennis in Scotland” by A. Wallace MacGregor; 1st edition of 1927; 287 pages in 4to format hardboards. This very detailed history of the early days of Lawn Tennis in Scotland was written by a man who was there when it happened. There is a huge number of match results and many photos of teams and leading players. This very rare book is in almost “as issued” condition with hardly a mark. (P) £400/US$750

Item 40	Item 41

40: “Private Eye’s Wimbledon Front Cover” dated July 1981 showing a marked lack of respect for the guests in the Royal Box! (P) £25/US$50

41: “Shooting Stars of 1930” by Wm. T. Tilden 2nd; paperback edition with 64 pages. Tilden has written pen-pictures of some of the great players of the period, both men and women. Each has a page with the photo and a small lined space for the player’s autograph. This is a very rare tennis book and an important piece of Tildenana. He writes each biog from entirely his own perspective and opinion; in very good condition. (P) £175/US$325

42: A ROGUE/PIRATE WIMBLEDON PROGRAMME: Occasionally in the 1930s, some of the Wimbledon locals would print up pirate programmes of the tennis events and sell them to the crowds queuing to come into the grounds. This is a Wightman Cup programme for 1932 and is made of card. Players include Helen Wills, Helen Jacobs, Dorothy Round, and Betty Nuthall. Most of the matches have their set scores pencilled in on the card, which is a bit worn but an interesting and unusual piece of Wimbledon ephemera. (P) £30/US$50

Item 42	Item 44

SOME UNUSUAL TITLES WHICH INCLUDE VALUABLE SECTIONS ON TENNIS, RACKETS, AND FIVES
43: “The Field Book; of Sports and Pastimes of the British Islands”; no named author or editor; edition of 1833; 563 pages in 8vo format in green boards, the spine ornately gilt decorated. This is an A to Z dictionary of the many sports (athletic and field) and the other pastimes enjoyed by the people of England in the few years before Queen Victoria came to the throne. Whereas there is just one line for each of Fives and Rackets, there is a good page and a half of closely printed text on Tennis giving the description of the court, the playing of “chaces”, and the scoring method. It is of historical importance that at this time (1833) the score is called “forty”, which I find interesting as it shows that the logical call of “forty-five” had already been abandoned. Also at this time advantage sets were won by being two games ahead after 5 all. The book is in good condition. £125/US$235

44: “Fifty Years of Sport at Oxford and Cambridge” edited by A.C.M. Groome; two massive folio volumes of 1913, volume 1 of 332 pages and volume 2 of 335 pages, each presented in fine luxury calf hardboards embossed externally with the crests of the two universities, the spines ornately gilt decorated. These are probably the most attractive books in which I occasionally trade. The contents are lengthy reports on all of the very many sports for which competition existed between Oxford and Cambridge. Each report is compiled by a leading exponent and the reports cover the history of that particular sport, prominent competition results, major personalities, and how and where the sport is played at the universities. There are also many captioned team photos. Rackets and Real Tennis are comprehensively covered. Each book weighs well over 3 kilos. (P) £600/US$1100

45: “The House on Sport” edited by W.A. Morgan; 1st UK edition of 1898; 490 pages in small 4to red hardboards externally gilt decorated. This is a compendium of reports on a wide range of sporting activities undertaken and enjoyed by Members of the London Stock Exchange. Each essay is written by the organising secretary of the particular sports section who describes the various outings and achievements of his sport. Well featured amongst these are Lawn Tennis (7 pages), Rackets (14 pages), and Real Tennis (16 pages). Most articles are illustrated with photos of leading players. Most other popular sports are covered, both athletic and field. This impressive book is in good clean condition. (P) £150/US$275

Item 45	Item 47

46: “Le Theatre des Bons Engins; La Morosophie” by Guillaume de la Perriere; reprinted edition of 1993 from the original edition of 1539. This is an emblem book, a common form of book in the 16th century which mostly consisted of images depicting scenes seen by the author on his travels in Europe. The original is memorable for the scenes of Tennis at images V and XLl. Recognisable Tennis scenes don’t come much earlier. £75/US$140

47: “The Sportsman’s Book for India” edited by F. G. Aflalo; 1st UK edition of 1904; 567 in very large 8vo red hardboards decorated externally on the front board with a marvellous gilt tiger. Clearly aimed at the British Raj, this amazing book describes hunting, shooting and fishing for a wide range of Indian game animals, birds and fish, including panthers, tigers, elephants and so on. Also included is a number of typically British sports including Cricket, Golf, Football and Racquets. This latter game was played in a number of distant stations and produced the World Champion Jamsetjee. Racquets and a rather basic form of covered court Real Tennis game were played and between them receive just one page of text. But as India is generally not considered to be on the map for these two sports, the book is very rare. This copy is in very good clean condition and contains a fold-away map of India in full colour. I would be surprised if any racket sports library had a copy of this book! (P) £200/US$375

48: “The Young Sportsman” edited by Alfred E.T. Watson; 1st UK edition of 1900; 661 pages in large 8vo format red hardboards externally gilt decorated. This is an A to Z dictionary of every imaginable sport played by youth, and it includes 7 pages on Fives, 12 pages on Lawn Tennis, 8 pages on Rackets, and 14 pages on Tennis. All articles are illustrated with diagrams and some with photos. The articles cover history, technique, the rules and style. Some pages remain uncut; there is a tiny amount in internal spine easing and there is small staining on the external boards. £135/US$250

LAWN TENNIS ANNUALS
49: “World of Tennis Annuals” are becoming more difficult to find but here are 21 out of a possible 33 editions.
1975, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1988, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 Each at £10/US$20

	Item 50

50: “Lowe’s Lawn Tennis Annual 1933” edited by Sir. F. Gordon Lowe Bt.; 546 pages in small 8vo format hardboards and rare dust-jacket, complete with green ribbon and bookmark. This is part of a very small series of excellent lawn tennis annuals from the early 1930s. It is mostly a UK based annual, but it also contains authoritative reports and results from around the world, well illustrated. The player biogs are especially memorable. It is most unusual to find this book in its dust-jacket, both in such good condition. (P) £75/US$140

51: “The World’s Leading Tennis Players 1954” compiled by Edward C. Potter; 58 pages in narrow 8vo paperback format. Part of a very short series of excellent tennis annuals which features player biogs of the top men and women of the period. Potter was a top class tennis writer. £100/US$190

NEW MAILING SCALES IN THE UK
The British Post Office has introduced new mailing scales, mostly relevant to mailing within the UK, rather than world-wide. I have tried the new system and the only major change I can see is that it takes longer to get through the Post Office, but that costs do not seem to have risen. Very large airmail parcels weighing less than 5 kilos have risen in price quite substantially; size matters now more than weight.

PHOTOGRAPHS OF OTHER ITEMS NOW ON www.tennisbookshop.com
The following items are listed briefly in the mailed version of Newsletter 62, but they benefit from photos and longer descriptions, which you will find immediately below.

	Item 52

52: The Lawn Tennis Stevengraph c1881. This is one of the rarest of late Victorian original works of art. The Stevengraph became very popular in this period and many different images exist for sports, and life in general in Victorian times. The Lawn Tennis Party is full of original colour with a lawn tennis court marked out as per the very early methods used. The image measures 15cm x 5cm and it is handsomely mounted/matted. £500/US$950

53: A Collection of 16 miniature ceramic tennis items, all manufactured in the period 1900/1910 and marketed as souvenirs for visits by tourists to towns all round England, visits made possible only by the rapid expansion of the rail network, enabling tourists to do a day return trip. Rackets which have identifiable manufacturer names show either “Arcadian” of Stoke-on-Trent, or “Swan China”. They measure between 9.5cm to 11.5cm in length, and the racket from Marden measures 13.5cm. The rackets each have the crest of the towns where the rackets were sold and these include Salbriggan, Hayling Island, City of Wells (fishtail), Westcliff-on-Sea (fishtail), Weston-super-Mare (fishtail), Cleethorpes (fishtail), Northampton, Marden (fishtail), Norwich, Hove, Ryde, Theydon Bois, Aldershot, and Douglas. All are in excellent condition. Each is offered at £25/US$50

The racket with three balls is from Woolwich. The item with crossed rackets surmounted by a small bird is from Skegness. Each at £30/US$55

THREE LATE VICTORIAN ERA MULTI-RACKET PRESSES

Item 54(A)	Item 54(B)	Item 54(C)

54 (A):“Thos. J. Tate Princes Street Cavendish Square London”; in dark wood with three original brass screws and wing-nuts; leather carrying handle attached by two brass brackets and screws; in very good condition but lacks any interior dividers; made by probably the finest private tennis racket maker of late Victorian times. 38cm long by 30cm wide. £250/US$475

54 (B): “A. A. TUNMER & Co, Tout Pour Tous Sports Paris Bordeaux Deauville”; presumably made in France is the multi-press with 3 internal racket dividers. The shape is unusual in that rackets can be inserted from either end. It has its 2 original long brass screws and wing-nuts and is carried by a brass handle fixed to a brass plate. It is in rather worn condition but its unusual shape makes it very special. 33cm long x 30cm wide. £250/US$475

54 (C): “Multi-racket press with no manufacturer’s name”. It has 5 internal rackets dividers, 3 original long brass screws and wing-nuts, and is carried by a strong leather carrying handle fixed by 2 brass brackets and screws. 39cm long x 29cm wide. £250/US$475

	Items 55 A, B & C

THREE PAPER SLIPS SIGNED BY MAJOR TENNIS PLAYERS

55 (A): A slip from an autograph book signed by Jack Kramer, Pancho Segura, and Dan Maskell (plus one other). £50/US$100

55 (B): A slip signed by Rosie Casals, Virginia Wade, BJ King, and on the reverse Joyce Williams and Karen Krantzke. £50/US$100

55 (C): The largest blue sheet is signed by well known players Betty Nuthall and Phyllis King (see the Farewells section), In addition, lesser known players all of whom were in the Ladies’ Singles draw at Wimbledon 1938 including Valerie Scott, Gem Hoahing, Rosemary Thomas, Jean Saunders, and E(rmintrude) H Harvey, and Mollie Lincoln in the 1937 draw, some excellent and unusual British women players. £50/US$100

EARLY 19TH CENTURY RACKETS SPORTS ENGRAVINGS OF TOM AND JERRY

56: Two original Tom & Jerry cartoons c1830. These are absolutely beautiful examples of the quite rare engravings by Robert Cruickshank which appeared in the sagas of Tom and Jerry, two Georgian rogues and rascals about London town, carousing wherever they went, here they can be seen in a gin palace (56 A) with their tennis rackets in their hands, and then in the debtors’ prison (56 B) where a boisterous game of rackets is being played. The images measure about 19cm x 12cm and they are nicely mounted/matted. As a pair at £450/US$850, or individually at £250/US$475

57: The poster for the ATP Awards Gala 1980 with many famous player autographs. This poster measures 61cm x 46cm and it has been signed by the following identifiable players: Peter Fleming, John McEnroe, Vic Seixas, Jack Kramer, Bjorn Borg, Arthur Ashe, Fred Stolle, Dick van Patten, Tony Trabert, and Bill Talbert. Also signed by veteran tennis writers Frank Deford, Rex Bellamy, & George Plimpton. £250/US$475

Item 56 A	Item 56 B

Item 57

ON 16 OCTOBER 2006, THIS NEWSLETTER 62 WAS MAILED TO ALL UK CONTACTS, AND TO ALL NON-UK CONTACTS WHO HAVE BOUGHT FROM ME OR HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH ME SINCE JANUARY 2005. OTHERWISE HARD COPIES ARE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST.

TO ORDER ANY OF THE ABOVE BOOKS,
PLEASE USE OUR CONTACT FORM

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