An Introductory Course of Gymnastic Exercises

Edinburgh, published for the author by Oliver & Boyd, 1832. First edition. Octavo. 40pp. Illustrated with five full page lithographed plates bound after the text showing various types of gymnastic exercises. Multiple images on each plate. The author is described on the title page as being ‘Fencing Master and Superintendent of Gymnastics at the Royal Academy, The Scottish Naval and Military Academy and the Edinburgh Academy’. He also wrote a noted fencing manual: ‘A Treatise on the Theory and Practice of Fencing’. This volume on gymnastics commences with a short history of the subject followed by an overview of athletic training amongst other European nations with reference to their armed forces. The author then moves on to describe a wide range of gymnastic exercises, many of which would still be familiar to any modern gymnast or sportsperson. The reader is advised to warm up with exercises involving clubs before moving on to exercises involving the horizontal pole, parallel bars, triangle and trapeze, ladder and wooden horse. Multiple exercise are described for each of these pieces of equipment. The author describes a few other pieces of equipment and in conclusion, adds a few pages on various sports described as the ‘British Gymnastic Games’ including wrestling, sparring, riding, walking and running, archery, shot putt and hammer throwing. Overall, a comprehensive guide to gymnastics and physical exercises, presumably aimed at both teachers and individuals who wished to improve their physical fitness. A scarce work, rarely offered for sale with Rare Book Hub noting only three copies appearing at auction since 1936. Attractively bound in contemporary full calf with a gold-lettered label to the spine and a gold device of The Scottish Naval and Military Academy embossed into the centre of the front and rear covers. Presented as a prize for fencing to a student of that academy in 1838 with a prize label on the front paste down. Upper and lower head caps both rubbed away, with a small amount of loss to the leather at the top and bottom of the spine. Front cover slightly sunned. Very slight foxing to the plates. Otherwise, a clean copy of a scarce work with the text block sound and the binding in good condition. Further photographs available on request. NB The price of this item is variable dependent on your chosen payment method. Please feel free to make contact for further information and to request additional photographs of this item or to discuss payment options. Size: 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. …