L'Ecole des Armes, avec l'explication générale des princpales attitudes et positions concernant l'Escrime. Dediée [sic] à Leurs Altesses Royales Les Princes Guillaume-Henry & Henry-Frédéric by Angelo, Domenico - 1763

London: R. & J. Dodsley, 1763. First edition. 47 engraved plates after J. Gwin or Gwyn by Hall (25), Ryland (13), Grignion (5), Elliot (2) and Chamber and Gwin himself (1 each). Oblong folio. 18th-century quarter calf and boards. Title-page repaired at gutter, occassional light foxing and toning, else a fine, uncut copy with strong impressions. First edition. 47 engraved plates after J. Gwin or Gwyn by Hall (25), Ryland (13), Grignion (5), Elliot (2) and Chamber and Gwin himself (1 each). Oblong folio. Beautiful Copy of the Greatest English Fencing Manual. First edition of the "chief work in the English literature of fencing" (Castle, p. 212). The cost of producing such a lavish work was underwritten by the 263 subscribing patrons and pupils of Angelo listed at the front of the book.Angelo's venerable School of Arms in London brought the French method of fencing to a wealthy and fashionable clientele. The school was run by successive Angelo generations until its closing in the early 20th century. Gelli 21; Lipperheide Td47; Sander 23; Thimm p. 9; Castle, p. xlviii; Vigeant, p. 28