British writer (1672–1769) whose best-selling codifications of the rules for the most popular card games of his day led to the familiar authoritative phrase ‘according to Hoyle.’ Signed book: Hoyle on Whist. Later printing. London: Thomas Osborne, 1750. Professionally rebound hardcover, 4 x 6.25, 224 pages. Signed in black ink on an inside page under a printed message to the reader which reads, in part: “The Proprietor of the following Treatise has thought proper to give public notice, that he has reduced the price of it, that it may not be worth any Persons while to purchase the Pirated Editions, which have already been obtruded on the World.” Also signed by Thomas Osborne. Book description: VG-/None. Rebound in pale blue paper-covered boards; textblock unevenly trimmed, with top line on title-page partially removed. Gentle bumps to upper corners of boards; slightly rubbed and soiled; textblock yellowed with light scattered foxing throughout; small piece of archival tape to fore-edge of title-page. RRAuction COA.
