Casey at the Bat in A Treasury of Humorous Poetry

Boston: Dana Estes & Co, 1902. First Edition. Very Good. Presumed first state, in binding "B", gilt decorated green cloth. Octavo, xxiv, 407 pages, with frontis and 15 black and white plates. Top edges gilt. Wear at spine ends and rear hinge; front inner hinge cracked; period gift inscription on FEP. The first hardcover printing of a most popular american ballad, "Casey at the bat" by Ernest L. Thayer. This popular poem first appeared in the San Francisco Examiner on June 3, 1888 and was promoted and recited thousands of times on the stage by actor De Wolfe Hopper. In 1901, it was printed as a pamphlet and one year later (1902) the present hardcover treasury of poetry was printed. Contained therein is "Casey at the Bat" attributed erroneously to one "Joseph Quinlan Murphy." (see p. 297). Overall, a bright, good-looking copy of a baseball classic, now scarce on the market. Housed in a custom green half leather clamshell box.