Scacchia, Ludus: A Poem on the Game of Chess.: Written by Marcus Hieronymus Vida, and translated into English verse by the Rev. Samuel Pullein, A.M.

ONLY EIGHTEENTH IRISH-PRINTED BOOK DEVOTED TO CHESS - PRIZE WINNER FOR BEST WRITTEN & PRINTED IRISH BOOK OF 1750
first edition tall 8vo. (in fours) vi, 95, [1 (blank)]pp. printed on thick paper and with generous margins, engraved diagram of a chess board and pieces in p.1, the original Latin and English verse translation printed on facing pages, contemporary half calf, spine with raised bands and a red morocco label, marbled paper on sides, nice copy.
Contemporary signature on a preliminary blank "Revd. P. Kitchens".

ESTC t138045 FOXON P1158
Pullein, writing from Trinity College, provides a two-page verse dedication to the Archbishop of Armagh and a two-page preface which outlines of the rules of chess (both in English). Although various Dublin printings of Hoyle's Games contained a chapter on chess this is the only book printed in Ireland in the eighteenth century solely on chess.Vida (Cremona 1470 - 1566), distinguished both as a prelate and as a Latin poet, first published this work on the game of chess, Scacchia ludus, in Rome in 1527. It attained considerable popularity and was translated into several languages.
Pullein (sometimes Pullen or Pulleyn) (Dromore, Co. Down, 1713 - 1784), Anglican clergyman and author, was deeply interested in the encouragement of silk manufacture on which he published several works including, using the same printer and in the same year and in the same format as this work, a verse translation of Vida's poem on the cultivation of the silkworm. Considerable efforts were made with the production of this book with the choice of superior paper and type. A printed prospectus with a specimen was issued on 20 Dec. 1749 seeking subscriptions for this work which was to be printed on royal paper and with new types. Pullein was awarded the founder of the [Royal] Dublin Society, Samuel Madden's, "prize of £50 for this as the best written and printed book [in Ireland] for the year 1750".Vide: M. Pollard Dictionary .. of the Dublin Book Trade 1550-1800, p.467