Hope - Fencing Master - 1710
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Selected by Ilaria Colombo
Specialist in old books, specialising in theological disputes since 1999.
Estimate € 2,000 - € 4,000
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Description from the seller
THE MAGIC OF THE SWORD: BETWEEN ART AND WAR
This rare specimen from Sir William Hope’s The Compleat Fencing-Master represents a fundamental milestone in the evolution of English fencing in the early 18th century. The work is enriched by splendid folded plates, testimony to an era when fencing was not only military discipline but also a form of art, elegance, and philosophy of gesture. Particularly valuable is the presence of finely hand-watercolored illustrations, which confer an aura of uniqueness and visual suggestion to the volume, transforming it from a technical manual into a true work of art.
MARKET VALUE
Instances of Hope’s early fencing works are very rare on the antique market. Complete copies with intact plates reach values between €5,500 and €7,000, with higher peaks for copies with illustrious provenance or hand-watercolored illustrations, as in the case of this exemplar.
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION AND CONDITION
Full leather binding, rebound in a later period with the original spine preserved and restored, few signs of wear, small restorations on L4 and N1 that partially touch the text. The volume is accompanied by 12 large engraved folded plates, here presented in extraordinary state of preservation, some finely hand-watercolored. Pp. [4]; 18nn. 197; 13nn. [4]; 12 full-page plates.
FULL TITLE AND AUTHOR
The Compleat Fencing-Master: In which is fully described the whole Guards, Parades, and Lessons belonging to the Small-Sword; as also the best Rules for playing against either Artists or Ignorants, with Blunts or Sharps. Together with Directions how to behave in Single Combat on the Ground. Also the Opinion of the most eminent Authors, ancient and modern, concerning the Use of Arms.
London, Printed for W. Taylor, 1710.
Hope (Sir William).
CONTEXT AND SIGNIFICANCE
This work represents one of the most important syntheses of the British school of fencing, heir to French and Italian traditions, yet already characterized by its own stylistic autonomy. Sir William Hope, a Scottish officer, transmits in the volume directly gained experience from both military field and academies. The illustrations, exceptionally watercolored here, clearly depict the fundamental positions and strikes of the small-sword, but they also take on symbolic value, as they visually translate the chivalric code of composure and the art of the duel. The work, initially published as The Scots Fencing-Master in 1687, went through later editions (1691, 1692, 1697) before reaching this 1710 edition, not recorded in the USTC.
BIOGRAPHY OF THE AUTHOR
Sir William Hope (c. 1660 – 1724) was a Scottish officer, fencing master, and writer, considered among the leading promoters of modern fencing in England. His works stand out for clarity of exposition and a systematic approach, combining practical experience with a solid theoretical framework. His editorial activity helped spread fencing as a discipline not only military but also social and civil.
PRINTING HISTORY AND CIRCULATION
The first edition, under the title The Scots Fencing-Master, appeared in Edinburgh in 1687. It was followed by editions in 1691, 1692, and 1697, which consolidated the work’s fortune and its transition to the more international title The Compleat Fencing-Master. This 1710 edition, here described as the third but actually the fifth, is not recorded in the major catalogs (not cited in the USTC), a fact that increases its rarity and bibliographic value. Circulation remained limited to a readership of military officers, nobles, and gentlemen interested in the code of the duel.
BIBLIOGRAPHY AND REFERENCES
– Thimm, F. A Complete Bibliography of Fencing and Duelling, London, 1896.
– Vigeant, C. Bibliographie de l’escrime, Paris, 1882.
– Anglo, S. The Martial Arts of Renaissance Europe, New Haven, 2000.
– Cohen, H. Swordsmen: The Martial Ethos in the Three Kingdoms, Oxford, 2010.
Seller's Story
Luxury Books: Your Go-To Guide for Nabbing Literary Treasures!
Embarking on the thrilling journey of collecting rare and timeless printed works? Here's your snappy rundown, "The Collector's Cheat Sheet," to ensure you're not just flipping pages but stacking up the value:
1. Edition and Rarity: Rarity is the name of the game. First editions, limited printings, and books flaunting unique features like eye-catching illustrations or mind-blowing bindings? Consider them the VIPs of the collector's world.
2. Condition & Dimension: Picture this – a book in mint condition, untouched by the woes of wear and tear. Now, flip the script: wear, foxing, discoloration – they're the villains here. And don't forget to size up the dimensions, because a book's size matters in the collector's universe.
3. Authenticity: In a world of replicas and forgeries, verifying a book's authenticity is your superhero move. Expert examination and authentication – your trusty sidekicks in this quest.
4. Provenance: Who owned it before you? If the book has hobnobbed with famous figures or danced through historical events, its value skyrockets. Every book has a story, but some have blockbuster tales.
5. Demand and Market Trends: Think of book values as the stock market of the literary world. Stay savvy on collector trends and market shifts to ride the waves of value.
6. Subject Matter: Some topics are like fine wine – they get better with time. Dive into subjects with a timeless appeal or ride the wave of emerging cultural and historical relevance.
7. Binding and Design: Beauty is more than skin deep. Intricate bindings, stunning covers, and illustrations – these are the accessories that make a book runway-ready in the collector's eyes.
8. Association Copies: Books with a personal touch – whether it's a connection to the author or a famous personality – elevate the historical vibes. A book with a backstory? Count us in.
9. Investment Potential: Passion is the engine, but some collectors eye future returns. Keep in mind, though, that the book market can be as unpredictable as a plot twist.
10. Expert Advice: New to the game? Don't play solo. Seek wisdom from the book gurus, hit up book fairs, and join collector communities. We at Luxury Books are the Yodas of the rare book galaxy, helping you build collections that scream sophistication and cultural clout.
Because collecting rare books isn't just about dollar signs – it's a journey of preserving heritage and embracing literary treasures. Happy collecting!
Translated by Google TranslateTHE MAGIC OF THE SWORD: BETWEEN ART AND WAR
This rare specimen from Sir William Hope’s The Compleat Fencing-Master represents a fundamental milestone in the evolution of English fencing in the early 18th century. The work is enriched by splendid folded plates, testimony to an era when fencing was not only military discipline but also a form of art, elegance, and philosophy of gesture. Particularly valuable is the presence of finely hand-watercolored illustrations, which confer an aura of uniqueness and visual suggestion to the volume, transforming it from a technical manual into a true work of art.
MARKET VALUE
Instances of Hope’s early fencing works are very rare on the antique market. Complete copies with intact plates reach values between €5,500 and €7,000, with higher peaks for copies with illustrious provenance or hand-watercolored illustrations, as in the case of this exemplar.
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION AND CONDITION
Full leather binding, rebound in a later period with the original spine preserved and restored, few signs of wear, small restorations on L4 and N1 that partially touch the text. The volume is accompanied by 12 large engraved folded plates, here presented in extraordinary state of preservation, some finely hand-watercolored. Pp. [4]; 18nn. 197; 13nn. [4]; 12 full-page plates.
FULL TITLE AND AUTHOR
The Compleat Fencing-Master: In which is fully described the whole Guards, Parades, and Lessons belonging to the Small-Sword; as also the best Rules for playing against either Artists or Ignorants, with Blunts or Sharps. Together with Directions how to behave in Single Combat on the Ground. Also the Opinion of the most eminent Authors, ancient and modern, concerning the Use of Arms.
London, Printed for W. Taylor, 1710.
Hope (Sir William).
CONTEXT AND SIGNIFICANCE
This work represents one of the most important syntheses of the British school of fencing, heir to French and Italian traditions, yet already characterized by its own stylistic autonomy. Sir William Hope, a Scottish officer, transmits in the volume directly gained experience from both military field and academies. The illustrations, exceptionally watercolored here, clearly depict the fundamental positions and strikes of the small-sword, but they also take on symbolic value, as they visually translate the chivalric code of composure and the art of the duel. The work, initially published as The Scots Fencing-Master in 1687, went through later editions (1691, 1692, 1697) before reaching this 1710 edition, not recorded in the USTC.
BIOGRAPHY OF THE AUTHOR
Sir William Hope (c. 1660 – 1724) was a Scottish officer, fencing master, and writer, considered among the leading promoters of modern fencing in England. His works stand out for clarity of exposition and a systematic approach, combining practical experience with a solid theoretical framework. His editorial activity helped spread fencing as a discipline not only military but also social and civil.
PRINTING HISTORY AND CIRCULATION
The first edition, under the title The Scots Fencing-Master, appeared in Edinburgh in 1687. It was followed by editions in 1691, 1692, and 1697, which consolidated the work’s fortune and its transition to the more international title The Compleat Fencing-Master. This 1710 edition, here described as the third but actually the fifth, is not recorded in the major catalogs (not cited in the USTC), a fact that increases its rarity and bibliographic value. Circulation remained limited to a readership of military officers, nobles, and gentlemen interested in the code of the duel.
BIBLIOGRAPHY AND REFERENCES
– Thimm, F. A Complete Bibliography of Fencing and Duelling, London, 1896.
– Vigeant, C. Bibliographie de l’escrime, Paris, 1882.
– Anglo, S. The Martial Arts of Renaissance Europe, New Haven, 2000.
– Cohen, H. Swordsmen: The Martial Ethos in the Three Kingdoms, Oxford, 2010.
Seller's Story
Luxury Books: Your Go-To Guide for Nabbing Literary Treasures!
Embarking on the thrilling journey of collecting rare and timeless printed works? Here's your snappy rundown, "The Collector's Cheat Sheet," to ensure you're not just flipping pages but stacking up the value:
1. Edition and Rarity: Rarity is the name of the game. First editions, limited printings, and books flaunting unique features like eye-catching illustrations or mind-blowing bindings? Consider them the VIPs of the collector's world.
2. Condition & Dimension: Picture this – a book in mint condition, untouched by the woes of wear and tear. Now, flip the script: wear, foxing, discoloration – they're the villains here. And don't forget to size up the dimensions, because a book's size matters in the collector's universe.
3. Authenticity: In a world of replicas and forgeries, verifying a book's authenticity is your superhero move. Expert examination and authentication – your trusty sidekicks in this quest.
4. Provenance: Who owned it before you? If the book has hobnobbed with famous figures or danced through historical events, its value skyrockets. Every book has a story, but some have blockbuster tales.
5. Demand and Market Trends: Think of book values as the stock market of the literary world. Stay savvy on collector trends and market shifts to ride the waves of value.
6. Subject Matter: Some topics are like fine wine – they get better with time. Dive into subjects with a timeless appeal or ride the wave of emerging cultural and historical relevance.
7. Binding and Design: Beauty is more than skin deep. Intricate bindings, stunning covers, and illustrations – these are the accessories that make a book runway-ready in the collector's eyes.
8. Association Copies: Books with a personal touch – whether it's a connection to the author or a famous personality – elevate the historical vibes. A book with a backstory? Count us in.
9. Investment Potential: Passion is the engine, but some collectors eye future returns. Keep in mind, though, that the book market can be as unpredictable as a plot twist.
10. Expert Advice: New to the game? Don't play solo. Seek wisdom from the book gurus, hit up book fairs, and join collector communities. We at Luxury Books are the Yodas of the rare book galaxy, helping you build collections that scream sophistication and cultural clout.
Because collecting rare books isn't just about dollar signs – it's a journey of preserving heritage and embracing literary treasures. Happy collecting!
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Number of books
1
Subject
War history
Book title
Fencing Master
Author/ Illustrator
Hope
Condition
Good
Publication year oldest item
1710
Height
163 mm
Edition
Illustrated Edition
Width
102 mm
Language
English
Original language
Yes
Publisher
London, Printed for W. Taylor, 1710
Binding/ Material
Leather
Extras
Hand coloured illustrations, Tipped in plates
Number of pages
248
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