[ The Game of Minims, invented by Edmond X. Kapp. ] Galley proof or offprint in which Kapp gives the eight rules of the game, under an explanatory introduction and the title 'Rules for the Game of Minims reprinted from "The Weekly Westminster."'

Author: 
Edmond X. Kapp [ Edmond Xavier Kapp (1890-1978), portrait painter and caricaturist, inventor of the Game of Minims [ The Weekly Westminster, London periodical; Faber & Gwyer, publishers ]
Publication details: 
Unattributed and undated. [ The Weekly Westminster, London? 1925 or 1926. ]
£50.00
SKU: 20091

Galley proof or off print of a single column. In fair condition, heavily aged and on brittle high-acidity newspaper stock. Headed: 'Rules for the Game of | Minims | reprinted from | "The Weekly Westminster." | The announcement in The Weekly Westminster Competitions of a prize for a new parlour game, suggested to Mr. Kapp that there was a game to be made out of Minims, a little book published by Faber and Gwyer a few weeks earlier. Mr. Kapp entered the competition and carried off first prize. Below are printed the rules of the game as he conceived it.' To give a taste of Kapp's rules, the first two read: 'A Minim is any mark, sign or abstract drawing made with a pen, pencil or other instrument in the space allotted, and intended to express a mood, sensation or emotion, such as: contempt; exuberance; getting up in the morning; hysteria; losing the train; boredom; drawing the winner, &c., &c. | 2. Representational elements should as far as possible be avoided in drawing Minims. If such are included, marks will be lost. For guidance players can refer to the book of "Minims," which gives a great variety of examples.' A footnote concerning 'Minims' (1925) is appended at the end of the second rule: 'This book is published by Faber & Gwyer, at 2s. 6d. One of the Minims ("Sudden Death Imminent") was reproduced in the Weekly Westminster of December 12.' In his 'History of Caricature' (1926), Mohun Lynch described 'Minims' as 'something rather more than an amusing game'.