Well, as a direct result of this thread, I did pick up "The Glory of Their Times" by Lawrence Ritter, and as noted it is phenomenal. Not quite finished yet, but it certainly is an enlightening, entertaining, and thoughtful book.
As far as leading to card enjoyment, it checked that off the list too. I don't have many pre-war cards, and in fact I only own ONE t206...of Germany Schaefer....
germany.JPG
....so it was with great pleasure when Davy Jones was recounting the story behind Germany stealing FIRST base in a game. Kind of makes me want to pick up some more Schaefer cards, as well as cards of the other players featured in that book.
Thanks for the recommendation!