Casey At The Bat
Thayer, Phineas (Ernest L.), Dan Sayre Groesbeck(illus.)
Chicago: McClurg, 1912. First Thus First edition thus, the first hardcover edition (first book printing was the extremely scarce 1901 pamphlet). Paper covered boards decorated in color with a gilt edged baseball bat tied about with black ribbon, gilt lettering. Classic woodblock illustrations. The most recognized American poem, "Casey" first appeared in a San Francisco newspaper in 1888 as a featured piece of humorous doggerel. Its ascension to immortal status was due primarily to actor and toastmaster DeWolf Hopper, who began reciting it at dinners and other functions, as well as on the vaudeville stage, around the turn of the century. Hopper claimed in his autobiography to have performed "Casey" over 100, 000 times in his career. This copy is a tight, fresh example, virtually unworn except for the most minor rubbing at the tips. Fine Paper Covered Boards (Item ID: D6791)
$2,800.00