Ladies on Court: New Book Explores History of Women in Real Tennis
Historical Publications is set to release Michael Garnett’s Ladies on Court, the first book dedicated to women’s Real Tennis, later this summer.
From the early female players of the Tudor period to players in the present day, women in Real Tennis are being explored in a new book by author Michael P. Garnett.
The first book dedicated exclusively to the history of women in the game, Ladies on Court is enhanced by a well-researched contribution from Lesley Ronaldson to bring the game into the modern era. She covers players and events at all four countries that host the game, as well as the other countries that participate.
Some excerpts of Ladies on Court are as follows:
… and there were few whom she did not beat except the very best players – 1427
… he took her with him to watch the tennis players playing in the castle moat, a most unseemly place, since everybody used to piss there, – 1498
... & in Ferrara, there were formerly damsels wonderfully expert & clever at the cord game with the Racket. – 1555
... This woman put on a pair of men’s breeches and light shoes. She played against the king, returning the ball only between her legs, and defeated him. – 1614
…We know not the gentleman’s degree, but the lady is apparently an undergraduate at tennis. - 1790
… George Lambert, world champion recalled seeing a game between two young women with a female marker – a curiosity at the time. – 1880
… for the first time in history the professional world championship and the amateur belong to the same court and also the lady champion. – 1913
… Charlotte Cornwallis was the first woman to achieve a single-figure handicap – 2009
… It was only when Claire Fahey achieved the lowest ever women’s handicap of 2.4 that she was allowed to play in the British Open. – 2014
… one of Australia’s best amateur players of the 1980’s, was appointed Her Excellency, Governor of Tasmania – 2021
… how many of us know there were TWO jeux de paume at Versailles. Details and sketches are shown.
To avoid wastage Michael Garnett is seeking approximate numbers for printing purposes, and would appreciate an indication of interest. This does not commit you to purchase, but will provide Mike with an approximation.
Basic details: Fully illustrated – in excess of one hundred and fifty pages.
Publication Date: July 2026.
COST: (if collected from RMTC) $75 Aust. $55 USA, or £40 stg. UK
Postage if required, extra.
Please advise garnettm@bigpond.net.au Expressions of Interest
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