Trattato del Givoco della Palla

This is the most sought after book on tennis. It was written by Antonio Scaino in Venice 1555 and indicates the important part played by the Italians in formulating the game of tennis. He describes a number of ball games including jeu de paume for which he shows an outline of the Louvre court. Also well illustrated are the implements including a racket. In 1951 the first English translation appeared (by Peter Negretti). A copy of the original (worth appprox. $50,000) and the English translation are in the RMTC Library - the original is kept securely in a bank safe.