Angelo, Domenico. The School of Fencing. L, 1787 [plates dated 1783]. FIRST EDITION IN ENGLISH.

Lot description

ANGELO, Domenico (1716-1802). The School of Fencing with a General Explanation of the Principal Attitudes and Positions Peculiar to the Art. London: n.p., 1787 [plates dated 1783]. Oblong 8vo (134 x 223 mm). 47 plates on 44 sheets by Rowlandson. (A few plates trimmed affecting plate number, a few leaves with repairs touching page number, E4 remargined affecting a few letters.) Contemporary mottled calf gilt (neatly rebacked, some light rubbing). FIRST EDITION IN ENGLISH of this important work on fencing, translated by Angelo's son. [Tipped in:] Engraved slip advertising "Mr Angelo & Son" school of fencing and the broad sword at Albany Buildings Picadilly. Angelo gained the patronage of Henry Herbert, 10th Earl of Pembroke, and became fencing master for the British royal family on his arrival in London. He established a fencing school, which gained immediate fame, and was attended by Joshua Reynolds, Thomas Gainsborough, George Stubbs, David Garrick, and Giacomo Casanova as well as the future King William IV. Pardoel 340; Thimms p.10.