Lot # 936: 1911 "America's National Game" by A. G. Spalding

First edition of America's National Game by A. G. Spalding. Published by American Sports Publishing Company, New York, 1911. This profusely illustrated book is considered one of the great classics of baseball literature because it was the most ambitious history of the game ever published up to that time and, most important, it incorporates the findings of the Mills Report of 1907. That report credited Abner Doubleday (albeit, most scholars today agree, erroneously) with having invented the game of baseball in 1839. With the publication of this book, that myth became firmly entrenched within the collective consciousness of American culture and persists to this day, despite its refutation in more modern times by numerous historians. A. G. Spalding was perhaps the most influential figure in baseball history, having been a former star pitcher, team owner, and sporting-goods magnate. He passed away in 1915 and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1939. The 542-page hardcover book (5.5 x 8 inches) is complete with all of its fold-out illustrations. The book displays light wear to the blue cloth boards, including a small area of discoloration on the front, and the page edges. A small pencil notation is present on the interior front page. In Very Good condition overall.