Hyde,T. (Hrsg.). Lot n° 445

De ludis orientalibus libri duo. 2 in 1 vol. Oxford, Sheldon 1694. 3 folded copper plates. Engravings, 14 engravings in text and 18 wood engravings in text. 36 pp, 184 pp, 2 pp, 71 pp, 8 pp, 278 pp. Bindery with gilt edges (slip missing). Wing H 3877 u. H 3875. Van der Linde 1247 u. Gesch. I, 88. Cordier 3242 f. First edition. - The abridged edition of 1689 mentioned by Wing is, according to v.d.L., an unlawful reprint published only in 1702. Rare work by the English librarian and orientalist Hyde on oriental games. Jwls. with separate titles: 1. "Mandragorias, seu historia shahiludii" with appendix "Shahiludium traditum in tribus scriptis hebraicis", deals mainly with origin and history of chess. Hyde "is thus considered today as the founder of scientific chess history" (HAB, Cat. Playful Pages, no. 11). In part 2. "Historia Nerdiludii", "Arabic, Persian, Indian and Chinese dice games, less known in Europe, are presented. One of them is the Chinese "Mandarin Game", which turns out to be a primal relative of the "Mensch-Ärgere-Dich-nicht" (cat. HAB.). The plates and text illustrations show game boards and figures. - Partly lightly spotted and browned, a few leaves with slight defects. Inscription on verso of title and inside cover. - One of the first scholarly works devoted to Chess, and other Oriental games including backgammon, draughts and dice. Includes texts in Arabic, Chinese and Hebrew. 2 parts in 1 volume. With 3 copper plates, 14 engravings in the text and 18 woodcuts in the text. Contemporary leather. Partly slightly stained and browned, few sheets with small damages.