America's National Game. Historic Facts Concerning the Beginning Evolution, Development and Popularity of Base Ball with Personal Reminiscences of Its Vicissitudes, Its Victories and Its Votaries

First edition. Cartoons by Homer C. Davenport. Portrait, frontis, illustrations, photographs and plates (some folding). xix,[1],[1]-542 pp. 1 vols. Thick 8vo. One of the key works in the literature of baseball, by one of the prime movers in its codification and development. In addition to his pitching career (which began in 1865), Spalding helped organize the National League, cofounded the Spalding sporting goods company, and published the first official rules guide for the game. This book was published four years prior to his death. Bright blue ribbed cloth, lettered in gilt, and with gilt depiction of Uncle Sam at bat on the upper cover. Front inner hinge with nearly imperceptible conservation repair. An unusually fresh, tight copy of a book most often seen in deplorable condition Cartoons by Homer C. Davenport. Portrait, frontis, illustrations, photographs and plates (some folding). xix,[1],[1]-542 pp. 1 vols. Thick 8vo.