PLEASE READ CONDITION
Written in English
This edition of The Sports and Pastimes of the People of England by Joseph Strutt likely dates to the mid-19th century (circa 1830s–1850s), though the original work was first published in 1801. Strutt (1749–1802) was an English antiquarian and illustrator who sought to document the various amusements, games, and festive customs that shaped English social life from the medieval period onward. At a time when there was a growing interest in preserving cultural traditions and exploring the nation’s past, Strutt’s study served as a pioneering effort to compile historical evidence—drawn from manuscripts, illuminated texts, and early printed works—into a single comprehensive account. His work reflects the broader antiquarian enthusiasm of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, during which scholars aimed to rescue fading folk customs and highlight the leisure pursuits that bound communities together.
A particularly striking feature of this copy is its sumptuous green calf binding, decorated with an ornate gilt-stamped centerpiece depicting a floral urn and framed by an elaborate gilt border. The spine is richly tooled in gilt compartments, with a contrasting red title label that reads “Sports and Pastimes.” This style of binding, with its detailed gilt work and polished leather, exemplifies the Victorian taste for showpiece books, often purchased by collectors or gifted to institutions as prized volumes.
In essence, Strutt’s work traces how ordinary people found enjoyment through tournaments, archery, folk dances, pageants, and seasonal celebrations, presenting a lively picture of England’s communal life over the centuries. An easy way to remember its scope is that it catalogs nearly every kind of recreation—from rough rural games to more refined courtly spectacles—illustrating how these amusements evolved and influenced English culture.
Condition:
The condition of the book is generally satisfactory, with a delicate and fragile front cover. The green calf boards have some signs of wear along the edges and hinges, and there may be minor cracking in certain areas. However, the gilt decoration is still vivid and the spine, although slightly worn at the top and bottom, maintains its bright tooling. The red title label is still legible. Inside, the pages have typical 19th-century foxing, but the text remains legible and the binding remains strong.
