The Game of Billiards: Scientifically Explained, and Practically Set Forth .

"Published by the Proprietor . at his Petrosian Billiard-table Manufactory ." Illustrated with 93 full page instructional engraved plates, plus one in-text diagram, showing equipment and techniques of play; preceded by 56 pages of explanatory text (vi,1-50, 50*-51*,51-54); lacks the fold-out frontispiece (commonly removed for framing). Small folio, in original ¾ brown cloth lettered in gilt ("Kentfield on Billiards with Illustrations" on front "Kentfield's Game of Billiards" on spine); re-spined, with most of original (including lettering) laid down; boards much rubbed and soiled; lower front corner deeply creased; all corners bumped and worn, point at lower front blunted. Ink inscription on front endpaper; pages foxed and "thumbed"; professional repair to long tear at pp. 53/4. A very good copy of one of the most important early works on billiards and related games, by the man who reigned as "first player in the world" for more than twenty years. (Note: Complete title reads: The Game of Billiards: Scientifically explained, and practically set forth, in a series of novel and extraordinary, but equally practical, strokes: and illustrated by numerous and appropriate diagrams. To which is added the rules and regulation which govern the numerous games as they are played at the present day in all the countries of Europe.").…