[GAMES]ALLEMAGNE, Henry-René d'. Recreation and Pastimes. - Lot 188

[GAMES]ALLEMAGNE, Henry-René d'. Recreation and Pastimes. Paris, Hachette et Cie, n.d. [1905]. Large quarto, publisher’s bradel binding in cream paper, smooth spine and covers decorated with a color design, gilt head. 379 pp., 249 illustrations in the text, 132 hors-texte, including 41 in a serpentine fold (30 colored and watercolor plates). Bound in cardboard, rubbed and burnished. Missing the folio comprising pages 367 and 368. First edition of this remarkable, richly illustrated monograph devoted to games, entertainment, and pastimes across the ages and civilizations. Henry-René d’Allemagne (1863–1950), archivist, paleographer, and librarian at the Arsenal, describes in particular board games, games of skill, outdoor games, and other popular pastimes, focusing on their history, rules, and customs. A fine copy in its Art Nouveau-inspired publisher’s cardboard binding.