SERIES: Pictorial History of the Sports and Pastimes of All Nations
SCENES: Archery; primitive billiards; playing the lyre; a peculiar game of catch
SIZE: 3" x 5"
ARTIST: Not signed, but reportedly Frances Brundage
DATE: 1893
LITHOGRAPHER: Kaufman & Strauss
CONDITION: Very good, I'd say. This card is generally only lightly soiled, though a faint transparent stain can be seen just to the right of the two palm trees. The edges and corners are slightly worn. There are very small creases at each corner and a mild thumb bend at the bottom center of the card. (Please see scans.)
MULTIPLE ITEM SHIPPING DISCOUNT: I will ship up to 4 cards for the single base shipping charge shown. For purchases of more than 4 cards, the shipping charge will increase by just a small increment for every 4 additional cards.
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REVERSE TEXT: EGYPT.
AMONG the earliest of civilizations was that of the Egyptians. We are told that they played many games of skill, such as chess and draughts, a pretty fair index of their mental culture. They were a very religious and war-like people, and in their celebrations and triumphs, given to most gorgeous splendor and pomp. They were luxurious by nature, and though very indolent when they chose to be, could develop great energy when occasion demanded.
Archery was universal in Egypt. The bow and the arrow and the quiver were part of the equipment of all males. So great was the proficiency of some Egyptian archers, that these could mount their chariots, and while driving at full speed, could drop the reins, take up the bow and arrow, and hit a fair mark at considerable distance.
A primitive game of billiards was in vogue on the banks of the Nile as early as the days of Cleopatra, for Shakspeare makes her say "Let us to billiards." It was probably played by driving a ball through a ring which turned on a pin fastened in a table or on the floor. It was only later that a mace was used to push the balls, and the cue is but a century old.
Games with balls existed from the earliest times, and the Egyptians had a peculiar game, in which two of the players sat on the backs of other two. Thence they were ousted, it is probable, when they failed to catch the ball, making place for the players whom they had ridden.
The Egyptians were great hunters too. They actually tamed lions and trained them for the chase. Then they would mount their chariots, and using the lions to stalk the game, would shoot them with their arrows, as their prey would pass, trying to escape.
The lyre was a favorite musical instrument, and deftly played was most charming to hear.
