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The anonymous book here reproduced can probably claim to be the first printed book extant which is devoted to the art, or pastime, of dancing.
This reprint is of the now extremely rare 1936 copy which itself was a reproduction of the unique original, now in the possession of the Royal College of Physicians of London, bequested to them by Henry Pierrepoint, first Marquis of Dorchester, who died in 1680. This edition includes a translation of the French text into English, and the music examples put into modern notation.
Whilst of interest per se to the lover of rare books, this work is of particular value to the student of 'terpsichore', being an extremely fine exposition of the "basse dance". Indicative of the work's modern practical value is the claim of the original publisher, Michel Toulouze of Paris, that at his shop on Mont Sainte-Genevieve there may be found a singing master (presumably himself) with his music-books, prepared to instruct any likely lad in all points of his art "with a jovial countenance".
The Art and Instruction will always remain an interesting and early representative of its species even if some future lucky find should oust it from the pride of first place in that history.
