Mike Kelly, Play Ball, 1889

[barrysloate]

I don't believe this book was ever reprinted. I never read it, because when I had my copy it was too fragile to handle. The book was made from poor quality paper, so very few have survived, and even fewer in nice condition. I remember one circulating that was nearly pristine, but it had a small amount of restoration to it. Despite it all, book collectors consider it a rarity.

[bigtrain]

Here is my copy. Possibly the one you mentioned, Barry. Minor restoration but very well done. Picked this up from REA a few years ago.

[JeremyW]

Must have been a good seller. They jacked the price up 150%.

[barrysloate]

That is the copy Tom. It's a real beauty!

Note, however, that the cover is quite a bit different than the one Max posted. I never knew there were different versions of the cover. Live and learn.

[bigtrain]

I think that mine is 1888. Max's may be a later version.

[barrysloate]

Originally Posted by bigtrain

I think that mine is 1888. Max's may be a later version.

Does indeed look like it was first issued in 1888 and reprinted in 1889. Guess it was a popular book.

Whoa, just noticed the price changed in reverse order. Maybe it was a very unpopular book. Perhaps 25 cents was a little too rich for the general public.

[bigtrain]

Originally Posted by JeremyW

Must have been a good seller. They jacked the price up 150%.

That is interesting. Did it go from 10 cents to 25 cents or the other way around?

[bigtrain]

Originally Posted by barrysloate

I don't believe this book was ever reprinted. I never read it, because when I had my copy it was too fragile to handle. The book was made from poor quality paper, so very few have survived, and even fewer in nice condition. I remember one circulating that was nearly pristine, but it had a small amount of restoration to it. Despite it all, book collectors consider it a rarity.

I think I may have seen a McFarland reprint a while ago. Looking for my McFarland catalog. Anyone know if there is one out there?

[baseballart]

Mine is indeed 1889. A blow-out sale of the later edition, indeed.

[bigtrain]

According to an internet inflation calculator, 25 cents would be the equivalent of $6.56 today. That is pretty pricey for a paperback that's maybe 3/16th of an inch thick.

[barrysloate]

Kelly was a huge star, so perhaps the publisher felt justified to charge the lofty sum of a quarter.