Spalding, Albert G. | Presentation copy of Albert Spalding's pioneering history of baseball, inscribed and signed by the author

The Passion of American Collectors: Property of Barbara and Ira Lipman

Spalding, Albert G. 

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. New York: American Sports Publishing Company, 1911

Thick 8vo (195 x 132 mm). Additional frontispiece portrait of Spalding, numerous full-page photographic illustrations, 2 folding photographic plates, half-title; portrait of Spalding with light diagonal crease. Publisher's blue cloth, front cover and spine gilt-lettered, front cover with gilt vignette of Uncle Sam clutching a baseball bat; spine a little darkened, tiny loss to upper fore-edge corner of front free endpaper, inner hinges cracked but secure, slightest rubbing to corners and head and foot of spine, withal a bright, near-fine copy. Half blue morocco slipcase.

First edition; presentation copy inscribed and signed by the author on the front free endpaper: "To J. F. Gray with my compliments A. G. Spalding New York, Oct. 26. 1911."

Albert Spalding was a highly successful pitcher and batsman during the early years of professional baseball (he popularized the use of a glove for fielders) and the co-founder of the eponymous sporting goods concern. His America's National Game, was the first scholarly history of baseball.