When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
American Football by Walter Camp (1891, First Edition, Harper & Brothers)
Offered here is a rare first edition of American Football by Walter Camp, the “Father of American Football.” Published in 1891 by Harper & Brothers (New York), this volume is among the earliest authoritative works on the sport and remains a foundational text in football history.
• Author: Walter Camp (1859–1925), credited with shaping the rules and structure of American football.
• Publisher: Harper & Brothers, Franklin Square, 1891.
• Edition: First Edition.
• Illustrations: Includes 31 portraits of early players from Yale, Harvard, and Princeton (examples: Hector Cowan, W.A. Brooks, Alexander Moffatt, Wyllys Terry).
• Contents: Covers English and American rugby, positions (End Rusher, Tackle, Guard, Quarter-back, Half-back), signals, training, and a chapter for spectators.
Condition:
• Original navy cloth with gilt eagle-and-shield design to cover still bright.
• Some shelf wear and rubbing to edges.
• Front hinge starting (see photo), but binding remains intact and text block is secure.
• Pages are clean and unmarked, with age-toning consistent with 1890s paper.
• Overall a solid copy of an extremely scarce and historically important football title.
This is an essential addition for collectors of sports history, Americana, or early football ephemera.
