Damiano da Odemira. Book to learn play scachi.... Lot 16

Damiano da Odemira. Book to learn play scachi. [S.l., but after 1524]. In 8° (147 x 98 mm); 62 cards. Xylograph on title page depicting two players, 6 woodcuts depicting various chess and numerous playing positions (last two blank cards missing, slightly trimmed at head, some browning). Parchment binding, manuscript title to spine (traces of old ownership note). Ex libris. Rare edition that went through eight editions in the 16th century. Damien describes in his work the rules of the game, offers advice on strategy, presents a selection of chess problems and analyzes some openings. His theory of openings would later serve as a database for later reworkings, notably those operateda Ruy López de Segura.