The Traditional Games of England, Scotland and Ireland (Dictionary of British Folklore, Part. 1)
first edition Hardcover
1894 · London
by Gomme, Alice Bertha (ed.)
London: David Nutt, 1894. First edition. Hardcover. g- to vg-. Small quarto. 433pp. (1). Maroon buckram boards, with gilt lettering on spine. The fascinating work is a historic survey of the traditional folk games of the British Isles (including Ireland). Included are descriptions, and where possible, a history of the game, as well as any musical accompaniment, if songs were involved, including lyrics and musical notation. Occasional small b&w illustrations of the games throughout. The games are organized in book in alphabetical order. Binding with light rubbing and bumping to corners and edges. Light bumping to head and tail of spine, as well as light rubbing and a small crease along spine. Some light staining and smudging to front cover, including white stain to right edge. Interior with age toning to front and rear free endpapers. Starting at pages 96, 176 and 192 and 304. Book block still tight overall. Binding in overall good-, interior in very good- condition. Alice Bertha Gomme, Lady Gomme (1853, London - 1938, London), was a leading British folklorist, and a pioneer in the study of children's games. Along with her husband Sir George Laurence Gomme (1853-1916), a leading British folklorist, she was a founding member of the Folklore Society in 1878. (Inventory #: 40752)