B. De Graaf, Nieuwkoop 1975, Bibliotheca Humanistica & Reformatorica, volume XIII, hardback, 16,3 x 24.7cm, 112 pp, 360 grams, condition: good/very good. Ex-libary copy (see photos 2 and 9) but  obviously rarely used.

This volume presents the four extant versions of Vida's mythological poem Scacchia Ludus, together with an Introduction and an English verse translation.

" Marcus Hieronymus Vida (1490-1566) was bishop of Alba, Italia. He wrote a Latin poem on Chess in his youth in 1513. It was only published in 1525, without the author's name, and in 1527 in an authorized edition.

The title is Schacchia, Ludus - The Game of Chess. The aim is to describe a game played between Apollo and Mercury in presence of the other Gods. The interesting point of this poem is that Vida apparently experienced difficulty in deciding a suitable nomenclature for the Bishop and the Rook. In the 1527 edition, instead of the Latin classical terms Alfinus and Rochus, probably meaningless for him, he used an Archer (Sagittifer) and a Tower borne upon the back of an Elephant (Elephas, Elephanti). In the former edition, Centaur and Cyclops were employed. Sometimes, the Queen (Regina) is even called an Amazon.

The Tower or Castle has taken its place in the nomenclature of Chess in every European country, except Russia, England and Iceland. However, if English has kept a Rook, the word Castling is still in use for this particular move where King and Rook are switched. Vida's poem has had a more lasting influence on the game than its author could ever have anticipated!"