A book of 600 pages, profusely illustrated with over 100 fullpage engravings, and having sixteen forceful cartoons by Homer C.Davenport, the famous American artist.
The above work should have a place in every public library inthis country, as also in the libraries of public schools andprivate houses.
The author of "America's National Game" is conceded, always,everywhere, and by everybody, to have the best equipment of anyliving writer to treat the subject that forms the text of thisremarkable volume, viz., the story of the origin, development andevolution of Base Ball, the National Game of our country.
Almost from the very inception of the game until the presenttime—as player, manager and magnate—Mr. Spalding hasbeen closely identified with its interests. Not infrequently he hasbeen called upon in times of emergency to prevent threateneddisaster. But for him the National Game would have been syndicatedand controlled by elements whose interests were purely selfish andpersonal.
The book is a veritable repository of information concerningplayers, clubs and personalities connected with the game in itsearly days, and is written in a most interesting style,interspersed with enlivening anecdotes and accounts of events thathave not heretofore been published.
The response on the part of the press and the public to Mr.Spalding's efforts to perpetuate the early history of the NationalGame has been very encouraging and he is in receipt of hundreds ofletters and notices, a few of which are here given.
ROBERT ADAMSON, New York, writing from the office of MayorGaynor, says:—"Seeing the Giants play is my principalrecreation and I am interested in reading everything I can findabout the game. I especially enjoy what you [Mr. Spalding] havewritten, because you stand as the highest living authority on thegame."
BARNEY DREYFUSS, owner of the Pittsburg National Leagueclub:—"It does honor to author as well as the game. I haveenjoyed reading it very much."
WALTER CAMP, well known foot ball expert and athlete,says:—"It is indeed a remarkable work and one that I haveread with a great deal of interest."
JOHN B. DAY, formerly President of the New YorkNationals:—"Your wonderful work will outlast all of us."
W. IRVING SNYDER, formerly of the house of Peck &Snyder:—"I have read the book from cover to cover with greatinterest."
ANDREW PECK, formerly of the celebrated firm of Peck &Snyder:—"All base ball fans should read and see how the gamewas conducted in early years."
MELVILLE E. STONE, New York, General Manager AssociatedPress:—"I find it full of valuable information and veryinteresting. I prize it very highly."
GEORGE BARNARD, Chicago:—"Words fail to express myappreciation of the book. It carries me back to the early days ofbase ball and makes me feel like a young man again."
CHARLES W. MURPHY, President Chicago National Leagueclub:—"The book is a very valuable work and will become apart of every base ball library in t