Posted By:
barrysloateA new book has just been published on the history and origins of the game of baseball that I feel will ultimately be the definitive study on the topic. Written by my good friend David Block and titled "Baseball Before We Knew It", the origins of the game have been traced to various bat and ball games dating to the middle ages, and the original research done by David will certainly turn some heads. He has made some incredible discoveries during his more than three years of research, highlighted by a German book dated 1796 that has comprehensive rules on how to play baseball (no Mr. Spalding, baseball was not invented in America). The book traces and documents nearly every reference to the game throughout printed history, and the bibliography will prove to be the most exhaustive study ever done. For those researching the roots of the game this book will be your number one source of information. Its official release date is March 1, 2005, but you can order advance copies for $29.95 plus $3.85 shipping by sending a check (or use paypal) to David Block at 30 Alvarado Street, San Francisco 94110. I helped David in the early stages of its developement, and just received my copy yesterday. I can't wait to get started. Take it from me, this book is special and every vintage collector should order one.