The Second Fireside Book of Baseball 1958 First Printing DJ Ted Williams

A landmark anthology from baseball's golden age, The Second Fireside Book of Baseball expands upon Charles Einstein's acclaimed original collection with more than one hundred essays, short stories, poems, profiles, spot reporting pieces, cartoons, photographs, and paintings celebrating America's pastime. Ted Williams contributes the introduction, while contributors include Bernard Malamud, Ring Lardner, Shirley Jackson, Robert Penn Warren, Jacques Barzun, Grantland Rice, Red Smith, Joe Reichler, Marianne Moore, Herbert Warren Wind, and dozens of other legendary writers and journalists. The volume is richly illustrated with over 100 photographs and artwork, including dramatic full-page color plates, historic World Series photography, the Brooklyn Dodgers' final days at Ebbets Field, Opening Day in Los Angeles in 1958, Japanese All-Star tour coverage, and an extensive index covering more than 1,000 players. A handsome First Printing example, confirmed by the copyright page stating 'First Printing.' The book is in Near Fine condition with clean blue paper-covered boards over cream cloth spine, bright spine lettering, square binding, and remarkably clean interior pages with only light, age-appropriate toning. No writing, highlighting, or ex-library markings observed. The unclipped dust jacket (original $6.50 price present) grades Very Good+, displaying mild edge wear, light rubbing, a few short closed tears and tiny chips at the extremities, and modest age toning, while remaining bright, highly attractive, and protected in a removable archival mylar (Brodart) sleeve. Overall, an exceptionally appealing collectible copy of one of the finest mid-century baseball anthologies, sought after by collectors of baseball history, sports literature, and Ted Williams memorabilia.…