LEURECHON [OR ETTEN], MATHEMATICALL RECREATIONS, LONDON, 1653

Second edition in English, 2 parts in one volume (continuous signatures), 8vo (161 x 97mm.), engraved additional title folded at edges with text leaf opposite containing verses entitled "On the Frontispiece and Booke", numerous engraved illustrations printed in the text, modern panelled calf in period style

Samuel Boothcraft, contemporary signature on engraved title; Harry Pratley (1905-1987), sale in these rooms 13-15 January 1988, lot 205, Bickersteth; bought from David Bickersteth, Royston, Herts, 1988

Tomash & Williams E18 (and O42); ESTC R217635; Trevor H. Hall, Old conjuring books, pp.83-119; Instruments in print 8; David Singmaster, The bibliography of some recreational mathematics books (third edition, London 1996), p.14; Toole Stott, A Bibliography of English conjuring, 1581-1876, 430; Wing L1790

the condition of this lot is as described in the catalogue description, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A collection of ninety-one arithmetical and combinatorial problems, problems on practical geometry, questions and experiments in cosmology, optics, perspective, and mechanics, “secrets of nature”, etc. The author ostensibly is Henry van Etten, whose name is given on the title of this edition, and as “H. van Etten” beneath the dedication of the first French edition (Pont-à-Mousson, 1624). Although the name “Jean Laurechon” appears in no French or English edition of the book, it is widely assumed (without qualification) that he is the true author, using van Etten as his pseudonym. This second English edition follows that of London 1633, with the addition (beginning on X1 recto) of The Description and use of the double horizontal dyal, a work by William Oughtred (1575-1660), first published in 1636. The prominence of Oughtred’s name on the title-page raised speculation that he might be the translator of Récreation mathématique, despite the fact that Oughtred’s name appeared nowhere in 1633 London edition. The ESTC now adds Francis Malthus, author of a work on fireworks, as a possible translator.

According to ESTC this is the first issue of this edition, with "Greeke" and "compi’ld" in the title, and "Temple Gates" in the imprint.