BOOKS/HISTORY/value

[steve B]

I also collect books, less than my wife, but I still pick up some.

I don't have enough older baseball books. Like so many things I should have picked up a bunch when I was in HS/college and they were usually cheap.

I really like some of the more modern ones, mostly for the baseball stories.

A lot of my stuff is either about collectibles, or is early books about some particular technology, like radio books from before around the mid 1920's or computer books from 60's and 70's or earlier.

Steve B

[aelefson]

I collect them as well, but limit my buying to antique stores, flea markets, and local card shows. I have one dealer who recently sold me some of his early baseball books and I now have the Spalding book, the Anson book, the numbered Boston book, and a few other cool ones. I also have a Spalding guide rebound with Tim Murinane's imprint on the front. I will try to post some pictures over the weekend.

Today I found an 1841 chapbook (Animal Biography by Babcock in New Haven) with a small illustration of three kids (one is holding a bat and appears to be swinging at a ball). This was at a fairly large antique shop, and it was only 20.00. It is now my earliest "baseball" item in my collection.

Overall, I agree that they should be more valuable than they are, but I think the same for old magazines and newspapers with similar content and photos. Especially when compared to astronomical prices for similar pictures on pieces of cardboard (which I also collect).

Alan

[Hot Springs Bathers]

Baseball books certainly have a place in the memorabilia side of this forum and there are some folks with unbelievable collections out there.

Any person wanting to build a library should consider the four volume Baseball Bibliography by Myron Smith which I believe is still available from McFarland. Its' scope is astonishing. Once you get the hang of it you will be able to find out what is out there and then searching abe.books will give you some idea on values though I do think they tend to run higher that most can be found.

I keep a scan of older titles especially if jackets are shown, it gives me an idea as to color and condition. Most older titles I own I place jackets in Brodart covers for protection.

I own around 2,000 baseball volumes but from what I've read on this board, many of our members have much deeper collections with more of the classic early editions. I have spent the last couple of years working on my football books and also use Myron Smith's College and Pro Bibliographies for guidance.

[bgar3]

alan, those are great books, but i am curious about the numbered boston book you mention, could you provide more details? thank you. i love the association copies of things and your murnane fits that area, very nice.

[baseballart]

Originally Posted by bgar3

alan, those are great books, but i am curious about the numbered boston book you mention, could you provide more details? .

I'll take a guess and say it's Old Boston Boys and the Games they Played 1907. Can't think of any other early numbered edition with Boston featured.

[baseballart]

Commy





Regular edition with Dj (is a dust jacket a type 5 photo? That might stimulate interest)

[thecatspajamas]

Originally Posted by baseballart

is a dust jacket a type 5 photo? That might stimulate interest

Careful. With talk like that, you'll have collectors removing dust covers and getting them slabbed...

[baseballart]

For those who might think interest in baseball books is dying off, I started a Baseball Books group up on facebook last year. It's now passed 1500 members and counting.

It's not by any means focused on vintage books, but there is certainly lots of interest in those books https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/60231470621/

Most of the classic older baseball books are available in electronic form, or have been reprinted, if you want reading copies.

However, the original editions are as much memorabilia as a Type 1 photo, an RPPC, a pennant, a game or baseball cufflinks (I can't believe I bid on some that recently ended!). As Bruce notes, they are treasures to maintain for the next generation, just as many of the other items we collect are.

[ibuysportsephemera]

Originally Posted by baseballart

For those who might think interest in baseball books is dying off, I started a Baseball Books group up on facebook last year. It's now passed 1500 members and counting.

It's not by any means focused on vintage books, but there is certainly lots of interest in those books https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/60231470621/

Most of the classic older baseball books are available in electronic form, or have been reprinted, if you want reading copies.

However, the original editions are as much memorabilia as a Type 1 photo, an RPPC, a pennant, a game or baseball cufflinks (I can't believe I bid on some that recently ended!). As Bruce notes, they are treasures to maintain for the next generation, just as many of the other items we collect are.

I am a member and it is a very cool page.

Jeff

[Wildfireschulte]

Max - great book display. I love how you have "Bride and the Pennant" by Frank Chance rotated to display the colorful cover. I look at books as more than a great read or source of info - historical books are art when displayed as part of a great collection.

[aelefson]

Scott, here is the chapbook and a close-up scan of the illustration on the front. I am really happy to own it.

Alan

[jpop43]

We too very much enjoy early baseball literature, and although we do not have an abundance of it, I thought I might share with you one of our favorites.

This history of the Boston BBC (copyright 1898) was found at a street fair in NJ about 9 years ago...we simply love it!

Jonathan
www.dugouttreasures.com