CHADWICK, Henry (1824-1908)

[Baseball] The American game of base ball, how it is played; a manual [Chadwick's Baseball Manual]

Philadelphia: [Theodore Holland], 1888. Pictorial Wrappers. First edition of this manual, including playing instructions, rules interpretations, and history. (Cover title: Chadwick's baseball manual). Foolscap 8vo (160 x 113mm): 64pp. Original publisher's pictorial wrappers with wraparound color image of a player attempting to steal second base as the catcher attempts to throw him out. Near Fine or better, with slight waviness to wrappers, thin vertical crease to text block, and mild wear at the corners, else a bright copy of this elusive baseball text. Not in Walker or Smith. Grobani 2-6. Near Fine+. Item #BB2428

A revised edition, retitled The American game—Base-ball, according to the national playing rules of 1889 : how it is played, appeared in 1889. Chadwick has been called the "father of baseball," and his guides were aimed at both players and fans. They included lists of players averages, detailed explanations of the rules of the game, and advice for athletes on how best to prepare for the sport. He authored several reference texts, serial publications, and articles on the sport, and was one of the first to keep track of player statistics, which revolutionized how teams and player performance was evaluated. N. B. With few exceptions (always identified), we only stock books in exceptional condition, carefully preserved in archival, removable mylar sleeves. All orders are packaged with care and posted promptly. Satisfaction guaranteed. (Fine Editions Ltd is a member of the Independent Online Booksellers Association, and we subscribe to its codes of ethics.).

Price: $1,565.00