ALLEAU (René), Dictionary of Games. - Lot 5

ALLEAU (René), Dictionary of Games. With the collaboration of Renaud Matignon. Preface by M.-M. Rabecq-Maillard. Paris, Tchou, 1964. Large quarto, publisher’s full gray cloth. A major encyclopedic work devoted to the world of games in all their forms, published under the direction of René Alleau. A true reference work, this dictionary brings together several hundred entries on board games, card games, games of skill, outdoor games, popular pastimes, traditional practices, and recreational activities from around the world. The work covers both the great classics—chess, checkers, cards, dice, and dominoes—and regional, ancient, or forgotten games, placing them within their historical, ethnographic, and cultural contexts. It is richly illustrated with photographs, drawings, diagrams, and documentary reproductions that enhance the reader’s understanding of the texts. Published in the “Réalités de l’Imaginaire” series by Tchou, this volume reflects the interest in the 1960s in folk traditions, leisure activities, and the history of recreational practices. A fine reference copy, illustrated with numerous figures throughout the text, it stands as one of the principal French reference works devoted to the history and diversity of games.