Glig Gamena Angel-Deod, or the Sports and Pastimes of the People of England – Joseph Strutt

Fore-Edge Painting. London: T. Bensley for White and Co., et al., 1810. Second edition. First published in 1801.

Full title: Glig Gamena Angel-Deod, or the Sports and Pastimes of the People of England: including the Rural and Domestic Recreations, May-Games, Mummeries, Pageants; Processions, and Pompous Spectacles, from the earliest period to the present time: illustrated by Engravings selected from Ancient Paintings; in which are represented most of the popular diversions.

Includes 40 illustrations, frontispiece plus 39 engraved plates printed in red. Size: 9 1/2 x 12 inches. 4to, contemporary full calf, gilt ruled, inner dentelle. Rebacked with most of the original spine laid on, some hand-soiling, generally sound otherwise. With large fore-edge painting of the “Heaton Park Races.”

Joseph Strutt (October 27, 1749 – October 16, 1802) was an English writer, engraver, artist, and antiquary. He was the earliest and most important figure in the investigation of the costume of the past, making him an influential but totally neglected figure in the history of art in Britain. He has been called the father of English antiquaries, and said of himself that his love for his national antiquities is greater than he could express. He devoted his life to their pursuit, beginning at age 24. Strutt published four works related to antiquities from 1773 to 1777.

This work (Glig Gamena) was Strutt’s most famous. Its lengthy title was dropped after the early editions in favor of the subtitle, “Sports and Pastimes”.
(Dorson, 30-31.)