A System of Figure-Skating. Being the Theory and Practice of the Art as Developed in England, with a Glance at Its Origin and History.
London: Horace Cox, 1874. Second Edition. Hard Cover. Very Good / No Jacket. Item #2305438
Second edition. Spine faded, faint stain on fore edge of rear board.
xix, 262 pp. First published in 1869, this work is among the earliest books in English on the subject of figure skating, with engravings and diagrams throughout (124 total). It was written by two members of the famous 'Skating Club' of London. Formed in 1830, it was "the most important [British skating organization] and for many years practically controlled figure skating [in Britain'." (Encyclopedia Britannica) This second edition was prepared for the press by Witham who, according to the preface, "omitted some irrelevant matter, and inserted a description of several new series of combined movements and a great many isolated new figures. I trust that the chapters on Rinks and their Construction, and on Mechanical Skates, will tend to the encouragement of skating."
Price: $125.00