![[GAME OF THE GOOSE] MRS. BRYAN, [MARGARET]. Science in Sport, or the Pleasures of Astronomy; A New and Instructive Pastime.](/sites/default/files/styles/auction_slider/public/images/lots/725/1571725.jpg?itok=Q3Z_tMS1)
Lot Details
Lot 144
[GAME OF THE GOOSE] MRS. BRYAN, [MARGARET]. Science in Sport, or the Pleasures of Astronomy; A New & Instructive Pastime.
London: John Wallis, 1804. Engraved game on laid paper, with an aquatint vignette at center, dissected into nine folding sections, laid down on linen as issued. 17 1/4 x 22 inches (43.75 x 56 cm) unfolded. Some staining and soiling, edges of paper starting to curl along the folds of two sections, short marginal edge tear, without the paper box or scarce accompanying booklet, altogether a rather well-perserved ephemeral game board.
A rare game of the goose intended to teach children about Astronomy. This board was published by John Wallis and was "revised and approved" by Mrs. Margaret Bryan, the author of several scientific text books. Mrs. Bryan also ran a girls' school in Blackheath where, unusually, she included science and mathematics in her curriculum, subjects that were oftentimes seen as unsuitable for girls. "The board has 35 numbered 'squares' depicting astronomical objects, instruments and principles as well as astronomers (Ptolemy, Tycho Brahe, Nicholas Copernicus, Isaac Newton) and moral lessons (e.g. a studious and idle boy, the county gaol and an army volunteer). One square shows the man in the moon as an example of ignorance in astronomy. By spinning a 'te-totum', players can travel over the board, the object being to spin numbers up to 35 and reach the final 'square', depicting [the Royal Observatory at] Flamsteed House" (https://www.rmg.co.uk/collections/objects/rmgc-object-264736). We can locate only 7 institutional examples of this title in various editions.
C The Collection of Jay I. Kislak sold to benefit the Kislak Family Foundation
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