426. EDMOND HOYLE (1672-1769) English author, an authority on card games often referred to as the "Father of Whist." Although he did not invent the game, with the publication of his systematized book of rules and procedures, the game became widely popular, especially among the English aristocracy. He also published rules on backgammon, brag, quadrille, piquet, and chess. Rare signed book Mr. Hoyle's Games of Whist, Quadrille, Piquet, Chess and Backgammon Complete, London, ca. 1760s (13th edition), boldly signed in full by Hoyle and bookseller Thomas Osborne at bottom of title page. Hoyle's book was widely pirated, obliging Hoyle to add the following warning on the next page, which is signed in type: ADVERTISEMENT: This book having been entered at Stationers-Hall, according to Act of Parliament, whoever shall presume to Print or Vend a Pirated Edition, shall be prosecuted according to law. The Proprietor has already obtained and Injunction against Nine Persons, for pirating or selling pirated Editions. No Copies of this Book are genuine, but what are signed by Edmond Hoyle and Thomas Osborne". Front cover and first eight pages have separated from the rest of the book, title page bears a 1/2" marginal tear at left not affecting text or signatures, otherwise contents are very good and worthy of rebinding. We've offered only one other Hoyle signed book, which fetched $781 in 1994. $600-800