[Maltese cross]⁴, a-c⁴, A-2E⁴, 2F⁴(±2F1), 2G⁴(±2G2), 2H-2I⁴, 2K⁴(±2K4), 2L4(-2L1), 2M-2N⁴, 2O⁴(-2O1+’2O1’.1), 2P-2Q⁴, 2R⁴(2R2+’2R3’.1), 2S-2T⁴, 2V², ²2V-2Y⁴, 2Z². Lacking the following leaves: [Maltese cross]4, c4, A1, K3, N3, and S3, OO1. Also lacking 2L1 as called for. Leaves 2F1, 2G2, 2K4 are all cancels, the cancel called for at 2O1 (2O1.1) is not present. A number of the leaves have been supplied from another copy. Title page with woodcut arms of Mary Queen of Scots and historiated initials. (Folio) modern full calf, spine ruled in gilt, red morocco label.
Containing the earliest mention of golf, banning its play. This 1566 printing, one of three issues of the acts in that year, includes the acts of James I to James V and Mary Queen of Scots. The earliest mention of golf is in the acts of 1457 by James II (verso of fol. xl) which order that: 'futball and golf be utterly cryit downe, and not to be usit'. Instead it is ordered that 'schuting be usit ilk Sonday'. It was clearly felt that free time on a Sunday should be spent on shooting or archery because it fulfilled a military need. Similar laws were included in the acts of 1471 and 1491. 1566 was the first actual printing of these Scottish parliamentary acts. STC 21876.
Condition:
Binding a bit scuffed; lacking several leaves; repairs to title page and following leaf with some small loss of printing, a number of other leaves repaired at corners; some foxing, staining, and edge wear; very good.