Newsletter 68 October 2009
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MANY NEW BOOKS; SIGNED TITLES; PLAYER PHOTO-CARDS; A COMPLETE RUN OF WORLD OF TENNIS ANNUALS; WIMBLEDON FINAL EDITION PROGRAMMES 1976 TO 2009; JACK KRAMER DIES; WEBSITE UPDATES; UK POST FREE!!!

INTRODUCTION
It looks as though these Newsletters are settling into an annual event. I will try to make them more frequent but there are so many other things going on in my life that finding the time is increasingly hard. But 2009 has seen a raft of desirable new titles on well known tennis people such as Pancho Segura, Chris Gorringe, Fred Perry, Monica Seles, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer; a “must have” title is the marvellous book on Centre Court to celebrate the sliding roof. The tenis world is currently an exciting world!
*** Please visit the News page where I am listing the new titles as they appear ***

QUEEN’S CLUB AND EASTBOURNE
Both now sponsored by the LTA’s new lead sponsor AEGON, these were two excellent weeks of tennis and book trade. With my tables groaning under the weight of the many new titles, these were always going to be busy weeks. I teamed up with Richard Jones of The Tennis Gallery for Queen’s and with Vanessa Eden for Eastbourne, and our partnerships allowed us to broaden the range of tennis goods for the tennis fan. We offered not only books, but also posters, greetings cards, ceramics, and other tennis collectibles. The recession in the UK is still with us and this affects all sections of the high street, book dealers as well, but I was more than satisfied with the large numbers of books that I did not have to take home with me. Thanks as ever to the huge number of returning customers. I am happy to congratulate the organisers of both of these newly branded events; they were a credit to the LTA.

WIMBLEDON CHAMPIONSHIPS 2009
Other than the absence of the defending Men’s champion, the focus was always going to be on the new sliding roof on Centre Court; the weather gods eventually answered by providing a small amount of rain, but just enough to cause the court to be covered midway through the Mauresmo/Safina match (the answer to a new pub quiz question). And then Andy Murray came out and played his entire match under the roof and the lights, finishing around 10.40pm, well over an hour later than we have ever finished a match there! Seeing that amazing sliding roof close for the first time in actual play was a very unforgettable experience for all 15,000 spectators. The two finals were thoroughly entertaining; so many people said that without Nadal, it lacked a certain buzz, but Andy Roddick kept us on the edge of our seats in a most spectacular fashion in another classic and memorable final. You can’t take anything away from Roger Federer, who will go down in tennis history as being just about as good as it gets. To top that, he is now the father of twin girls! The Williams sisters continue to dominate at Wimbledon, but others are knocking pretty hard on that door. Klijsters’ return to the game has brightened it considerably, and her US Open win was utterly delightful. And now Henin is following her, so the prospect of a grunt/shriek-free Wimbledon Ladies’ final in 2010 is now a possibility! Get ready for some changes at the top. But for GB, it seems the Murray train has lost some momentum! We have to keep in mind that Boris Becker had three Wimbledon titles under his belt by the time he was 20!

THE TENNIS BOOKSHOP WEBSITE
This website has been established for quite a long time now and so I am making some changes. First, I have loaded a new “Home Page” which better reflects where The Tennis Bookshop business is at present. Many of my previous newsletters are in “Archive”. I am making more use of the “News Items” page and have loaded details and photos of most of the new titles. I intend to make much more use of that page in the future.

NORMAN RILEY COLLECTION OF TENNIS ART: Riley’s large collection of tennis books and images is to be offered for sale at Bloomsbury in London probably around the end of the year. As soon as I have more news on this important sale, I will pass it on to you.

FAREWELL TO
*** Dennis Cunnington (died 19 July 2009 aged 84). Cunnington was a man I had known over at least 40 years, as he was a very experienced and competent tennis journalist active mainly here in England. In his time he also covered boxing, cricket, and badminton. He attended 50 Wimbledons, as well as countless other UK tennis tournaments, mainly supplying copy for the agencies. He took a great interest in wheel-chair tennis and tennis at county level.

*** Edward Fernberger (died on 24 August 2009 aged 86). Another old friend, he and his wife Marilyn were regular fixtures at many Wimbledons. From 1962, they ran the U.S. Amateur Indoor Tennis Tournament in Philadelphia, which in 1969 become the U.S. Pro Indoor Tennis Championships. He was an inveterate photographer, and both he and Marilyn were passionately interested in the history of tennis. They were great supporters of the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Rhode Island.

*** Robert Jordan (died in August 2009 aged 83). Jordan was the father of Barbara and Kathy, two good professional tennis players of the 1970s and the 1980s from the USA. He was variously a coach, fundraiser, and tournament organiser. And he was the prime coach to his two daughters. He wrote “Tennis for Winners” a coaching book which described his coaching philosophies.

*** John Albert “Jack” Kramer (born 01 August 1921; died 13 September 2009). What can one say about Jack? Wimbledon Singles champion in 1947, U.S. Open champion in 1946 and 1947, winner of seven Grand Slam doubles titles, pioneer of the professional game, top touring player, in fact one of the major influences on the international development of tennis over some 60 years.

*** Jean Reynolds (died in August 2009 aged 61). Jean was a Scottish squash international, excellent tennis player, and 3 handicap golfer. She reached the final of the Junior Wimbledon Doubles in 1966 and played for Warwickshire, often partnering Ann Jones. She was private secretary to the conductor Sir Simon Rattle, and in 1982 she became Chairman of the Women’s Squash Rackets Association.

UK POST FREE WHILE STOCKS LAST UNTIL 31st DECEMBER 2009

 
Item 001
It’s a bit slow everywhere at present, so until 31st December 2009 to encourage trade, and while my stocks last, all books in this Newsletter 68 are offered post free within the UK. Most of my quoted prices are already below the publisher’s list price.

KEY TO ABREVIATIONS: hb is hard-back; pb is paper-back; dw is dust-wrapper; pp is pages.

001: LOWE’S LAWN TENNIS ANNUAL 1932 edited by Sir F. Gordon Lowe Bt.; in hb & dw with 490 pp. The first edition of this very popular tennis annual, which ran from 1932 to 1936. As Ayres was still being published, it is slightly odd that the UK had two major tennis annuals, and this is perhaps why it did not run for more than its 5 years. The contents are very comprehensive including full tournament results and an excellent series of player biographies. There is also a long list of UK tennis clubs. This copy is in its rare dw. £95

002: WORLD OF TENNIS ANNUALS 1969 TO 2001… A RARE COMPLETE RUN OF ALL 33 EDITIONS: This marvellous annual was first published in 1969 as the BP Year Book of World Tennis; it has always been edited by the inimitable John Barrett to the very highest standard of accuracy. Various compilers have contributed including Peter West and Lance Tingay. From 1971, it became the World of Tennis Annual, maintaining its place as the world’s leading tennis annual. Its main purpose was as a source of reference for the previous year’s tournaments; it included ranking lists, prize money lists, player biogs, draw-sheets of major events, and much more. I can’t remember the last time I had a complete run, but here are all 33 editions in paperback, all in very good condition; (one with previous owner’s inscription). The print run was generally anything from 3000 to 5000 copies annually only. We do need a tennis annual! £495

A VERY RARE DUST-WRAPPER FROM 1926

 
Item 003
Dust-wrappers remain a passion for me, as they present the book as it was on the day of publication. In this case from 1926, this is a dust-wrapper that I have never seen; and for this era, dust-wrappers add greatly to value.

003: MECHANICS OF THE GAME OF LAWN TENNIS by J. Parmly Paret; 1st USA edition of 1926 in large 8vo hb & dw with 269 pp. It is part 2 of 7 volumes (only 5 were published) analysing all aspect of the game, beautifully illustrated with stars showing their shots. £150

NEW TENNIS TITLES PUBLISHED IN 2009

We have been inundated with a marvellous and substantial range of new tennis titles in 2009, right across the range of biographies, histories, and annuals. I experienced large sales of most of these books during my exhibitions at Queen’s Club and Eastbourne. Photos of most of these titles can be found on this website.

AUTO/BIOGRAPHIES

004: A PILOT AT WIMBLEDON: The Memoirs of Air Chief Marshal Sir Brian Burnett GCB, DFC, AFC; published in June in large 8vo pb with 324 pp. One of the most fascinating new titles from a man now 96 years old and as sharp as a razor, as I found out in several conversations with him this year. Not only was he a great squash player and pioneering aviator charting new air-routes, he was also a fine bomber commander, endurance flyer, and eventually became Commander-in-Chief Far East in Singapore. He returned to England and became Chairman of the All England Club during the Borg, McEnroe, Connors era, quite a challenge. Signed or unsigned. £15

005: THE EDUCATION OF A TENNIS PLAYER by Rod Laver (with Bud Collins); large format pb with 300 pp. Republished in September in the USA (1st edition of 1971) to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Laver’s 1969 Grand Slam; substantially updated, this is one of the great tennis stories. Throughout the tennis world, they still speak of Laver with awe. Era comparison is a fool’s game, such have been the technical changes in equipment and the growth in players’ stature, but Laver will continue to make the all-time top 10. £15

006: GETTING A GRIP: On my game, my body, my mind….my self by Monica Seles; in 8vo hb & dw with 290 pp. I feel this is a valedictory of a woman who could have become a really great player but whose career was substantially derailed by events beyond her control. She writes most frankly about her early life, her undoubted on-court achievements, that Hamburg business, and then how it affected her over the years. Her injury healed but her mind did not. She has given up the struggle to regain competitive form. £15

Item 004 Item 007

007: HOLDING COURT: Inside the Gates of the Wimbledon Championships by Chris Gorringe; published in May in 8vo hb & dw with 264 pp. The former CEO of the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club writes his memoirs in a very readable fashion, describing how he rose from assistant secretary to be the chief officer of Wimbledon, steering the Club and the Championships through many stages of development both on the court and off. He can look back with great satisfaction at a job very well done. Chris submitted himself to a public signing at Eastbourne achieving very good sales figures; so at present, I am able to offer copies signed or unsigned at £15

008: LITTLE PANCHO: The Life of Tennis Legend Pancho Segura by Caroline Seebohm; published in June in small 8vo hb & dw with 210 pp. Certainly the most overdue biography in tennis, but here it is at last. He is such a ball of fire even now, and I met him several times during this year’s Championships when he signed 5 copies for me. Ever in the shadow of Gonzales, he was a consummate professional who could have won at Wimbledon had he not turned pro so early. He only played Wimbledon singles in 1946 & 1947. £20

009: ON THE LINE by Serena Williams (with Daniel Paisner); published in the USA in September in 8vo hb & dw with 257 pp. Just out and published after that awful outburst during the US Open, this is probably the heaviest of at least 20 Williams titles written in a chatty format that might appeal to Serena Williams fans. Jehovah gets several favourable mentions, and why not! £18

 
Item 032
010: RAFAEL NADAL: The Biography by Tom Oldfield; published in June in 8vo hb & dw with 256 pp. The first English language study of the mercurial Mallorcan tennis player, who quickly became the world’s top ranking player after his amazing win at Wimbledon 2008. Here his early days are described and the importance of his family emphasised. We look forward to seeing him fully fit again. £20

011: ROGER FEDERER: Spirit of a Champion by Chris Bowers; published in June in pb with 342 pp. Here is the substantially revised and now updated version of Bowers’ first title on Federer from 2006. Much has happened in Federer’s life on and off the court since 2006, and Bowers has expertly described these happenings, making his revised edition virtually a new title on its own. £8

012: THE LAST CHAMPION: The Life of Fred Perry by Jon Henderson; in 8vo hb & dw with 292 pp. The centenary of Fred’s birth gives an excellent opportunity for a full retrospective on his life, and Henderson has done a fine job in cooperation with the Perry family. Here was a man who was world table tennis champion at only 19, got bored, found lawn tennis and took to it like a natural. His athleticism was amazing and he simply hit and ran his opponents off court. After years as a professional in the USA, he established the clothing company that still bears his name. He returned to the UK and became a much loved personality and TV commentator. £15

HISTORIES

013: A TERRIBLE SPLENDOR: Three Extraordinary Men, a World Poised for War, and the Greatest Tennis Match Ever Played by Marshall Jon Fisher; in 8vo hb & dw with 321 pp. Amazingly a book about just one match but what a match. Here we learn the intimate details of the climax of the Davis Cup final at Wimbledon between the USA and Germany, where the deciding tie was played out over 5 long and gripping sets between Don Budge and Baron Gottfried von Cramm, with Bill Tilden watching from the stands. £25

014: CENTRE COURT: The Jewel in Wimbledon’s Crown edited by John Barrett and Ian Hewitt; published in May in large landscape format hb & dw with 240 pp. This magnificent book was published to celebrate the public unveiling of the new Centre Court roof. It contains much information on the design of the court, beautifully illustrated; and then there are chapters highlighting the great champions since 1922 and their memorable matches. All Wimbledon fans will want a copy of this great book. £25

015: PLAYER ENDORSED TENNIS RACKETS: Photo Decal Rackets; Signature Rackets; Tennis Ball Containers by Randy Crow; published in broad 8vo pb with 111 pp. Crow’s own collection is illustrated here with 69 of the known 71 endorsing players being shown. Some players have more than one style over the years. Ranging from 1930 to 1980, all are illustrated and described. In addition there is a section illustrating player endorsed tennis ball cans. In a print run of only 100 copies, I can offer copies at £45

016: STROKES OF GENIUS: Federer v Nadal Rivals in Greatness by L. Jon Wertheim; published in June in 8vo hb & dw with 211 pp. This is a very detailed blow-by-blow account of those amazing 5 sets played in the 2008 Wimbledon Men’s singles final interrupted by the rain and in the gathering dark, but somehow they played to the end before an incredulous crowd. £15

017: TENNIS AND THE OLYMPIC GAMES by Alan Little; published in June in 8vo hard pictorial boards with 166 pp. Here is a full record of all the tennis matches played at various Olympics when tennis was played, i.e. 1896 to 1924 and then from 1988 onwards. Short texts accompany each year with photos of players and venues. There are tables showing the many nations represented and participating players, and finally every match result is tabulated. Should appeal to stat-fans of both tennis and the Olympics. £12

018: TENNIS RECORD BOOK 2009 by Rino Tommasi; in large 4to pb with 280 pp. The 10th edition of Rino’s massive stat-fest which summarises the season 2008 with all ATP and WTA draw-sheets, top 10 and top 100 ranking lists since 1973 (ATP) and 1975 (WTA), last 16s for all Grand Slams since inception, all player head-to-heads for 2008, winners and runners-up for the 4 Grand Slams and more. £30

019: TENNIS RECORD BOOK 2008 by Rino Tommasi; in large pb with 372 pp. 1 copy only of last year’s edition. £20

020: THE TENNIS BOOK 2009 edited by Henry Wancke; June 2009 in small 8vo pb with 47 pp. The UK’s Tennis Industry Association’s first handbook, listing all the many member firms who are involved in a wide range of aspects of tennis in Great Britain. Subjects covered include equipment, court construction and ancillaries, coaching aids, and fan goods such as books etc. £5

021: WIMBLEDON COMPENDIUM 2009 compiled by Alan Little; in 8vo pb with 528 pp. Here is the 19th edition of this astonishing record of everything at Wimbledon and the Championships, including the longest and shortest sets and matches, all the attendance figures, the record of the champions, left-handed champions, weather statistics, the seeding lists, wild cards, qualifying rounds, royalty involvement, prize moneys, dates of all Championships since 1877, and so much more. £15

022: WIMBLEDON ANNUAL 2009 by Neil Harman; 160 pp in large 4to format hb & dw with 160 pp. The 25th in the series, this one describing on a day-by-day basis the play at this year’s Championships, all beautifully illustrated with great colour photos, featuring the night under the closed Centre Court roof. All the complete draws appear at the end of the book. £20

AND FINALLY JUST ANNOUNCED

023: THE COURT JESTER by Mansour Bahrami; 1st edition with 192 pp in pb. At last the magnificent Mansour’s moving life story is translated into English and due out in late November. Signed copies will be available after the Royal Albert Hall event in the first week of December after the AEGON Masters; if the Post Office has stopped striking, copies of this will be delivered before Christmas. £10

SOME VERY SPECIAL SIGNED TITLES

I have a great affection for signed tennis titles; my own collection stands at about 150, all signed for me personally by the authors over the last 30 years. Inevitably many of those authors have now left us for the great tennis court in the sky, so I treasure them all the more, as every one was signed for me in person. The rarity of players’ signatures varies widely, as some players really put themselves out to please the tennis fan, whereas others are rather more elusive. The great stars of the 1960s and the 1970s can often be found wandering around at Wimbledon, but today’s stars are very much more protected and cocooned, so that the average tennis fan can’t get near. This list contains some stunning examples of tennis titles signed by iconic names.

024: A MIXED DOUBLE by H.W. ‘Bunny’ Austin and Phyllis Konstam; 1st edition of 1969 in hb & dw with 264 pp. Twice a Wimbledon Singles finalist, and the last Englishman to get to that round, his is a delightful story which is wrapped around the theatrical story of Phyllis and his own beliefs about Moral Rearmament, not a stance which made him many friends in the tennis world. This copy is dedicated: “To Joyce & Jim With our love & gratitude for you both. Bunny & Phyll.” £75

025: ADVANTAGE STRIKER by Gardnar Mulloy; edition of 1960 in hb & dw with 195 pp. The oldest major Wimbledon event winner and now aged a mighty 95 years old, this is the story of a swash-buckling player from the USA who made a big name for himself in the tennis world as a great doubles and Davis Cup player. Dedicated on the front photo “To my friend Janis Sincerely, Gardnar Mulloy”. £50

Item 026 Item 029 Item 030

026: ANGEL PAVEMENT a novel by J.B. Priestley; 1st edition of 1931 in hb with 613 pp. Not a tennis item as such but this Priestley title is inscribed on the front end paper: “To Helen Wills Moody with J.B. Priestley’s best wishes. June 1933.” £95

027: ARTHUR ASHE PORTRAIT IN MOTION by Arthur Ashe (with Frank Deford); 1st USA edition of 1975 in hb & dw with 272 pp. Written oddly in the year of his great 1975 Wimbledon triumph over Jimmy Connors but before that match. This book is written in diary format and is dedicated in Ashe’s unmistakable hand-writing: “To Susie, Mimi, & Amy. Peace! Arthur Ashe”. £100

 
Item 031
028: FLINDERS PARK PUBLICITY BROCHURE: descriptive brochure advertising and describing the facilities at Melbourne’s famous Flinders Park tennis complex. Its 24 pages in pb landscape format are heavily illustrated with colour photos. Internally it is signed most handsomely on one page and in full (very rare these days) by “Venus Williams” and “Serena Williams”. £75

029: HOW TO PLAY TENNIS by Venus & Serena Williams; 1st USA edition of 2004 in large format hb & dw with 96 pp. Probably their first joint coaching manual illustrated with lots of photos of the girls playing their shots etc. Boldly signed “Serena” & “Venus”. £95

030: JEAN BOROTRA THE BOUNDING BASQUE: His Life of Work and Play by Sir John Smyth; 1st edition of 1974 in hb & dw with 239 pp. The story of an amazing French tennis player and Wimbledon champion, who was an integral part of the great French domination of lawn tennis in the 1920s. Dedicated: “June 1976 To David and Ann Steel both keen lovers of our game; in happy recollection of our most pleasant lunch at Wimbledon….With kindest regards J Borotra.” £100

031: LITTLE PANCHO: The Life of Tennis Legend Pancho Segura by Caroline Seebohm; 1st edition of 2009 in hb & dw with 210 pp. One of the 3 greatest men players never to win at Wimbledon (Lendl & Rosewall in case you wondered) and this year he came to see us and signed a tiny number of the book. He was in ebullient form and greatly enjoyed the fuss we made of him. £100

032: LOVE AND FAULTS: Personalities Who Have Changed the History of Tennis in My Lifetime by Ted Tinling (with Rod Humphries); 1st edition of 1979 in hb & dw with 314 pp. TT was a great friend and quite the most remarkable man I have ever met in tennis; he was on the scene from the 1920s onwards and knew everyone who mattered and quite a few who did not. This copy of his marvellous life story was the property of Elizabeth Ryan who has signed “Elizabeth Ryan Jan 1979” (see below). Tinling has dedicated the book “Elizabeth: How do I express, appropriately, half a century of admiration and affection? I can only say that I tried, and shall be grateful all my life for the countless happy hours spent with you. My love, always. Ted T. Jan 1979.” Tinling wrote some thoroughly charming inscriptions. In my own copy he wrote: “For Alan: Many happy memories to look back to. Hopefully, many more to look forward to. Ted Tinling Wimbledon 1983.” This is one of the best tennis life stories. £500

Item 32

033: OFF THE RACKET: Tennis Highlights and Lowdowns by Philip B. Hawk; 1st USA edition of 1937 in hb & dw with 391 pp. I have the greatest affection for this large book, which is a stunning historical study of lawn tennis in the USA since earliest times. It concentrates heavily on the Tilden era and contains very many anecdotes and match reports. Hawk clearly knew his way round the American tennis circuit and he is an excellent chronicler. The book is dedicated: “Greetings to the Veteran tennis player and fan Thomas V. Lynch. Philip B. Hawk Sep10, 1937.” In addition the book is in an excellent condition and very rare dust-wrapper. £195

034: SERIOUS THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY by John McEnroe (with James Kaplan); 1st edition of 2002 in hb & dw with 346 pp. The authorised version of the great Mac’s tennis life. Signed on the title page at the Royal Albert Hall in 2008. £35

035: THE ROAD TO WIMBLEDON by Alice Marble; 1st edition of 1947 in hb & dw with 166 pp. The great triple Wimbledon champion of 1939 and pupil of Teach Tennant tells her tennis story with much still to come. Dedicated “For Sir Arthur and Lady Elvin, in gratitude for the delightful arrangements and hospitality at Wembley. With sincere best wishes Alice Marble 1947.” £95

036: THE ROAD TO WIMBLEDON by Alice Marble; 1st USA edition of 1946. This is the USA edition of item 35 above. This copy is multi-dedicated to: “Barbara Jean Wedow. Good Luck Barbara from Jack Kramer. Bobby Riggs. Salaam meme Sahib!! Hal Surface. Best wishes Alice Marble.” Thus it is signed by three Wimbledon champions. £275

Item 036 Item 044

037; THE TOTAL ZONE by Martina Navratilova (with Liz Nickles); 1st edition of 1994 in hb & dw with 246 pp. The first of the trilogy of tennis murder mysteries by MN featuring her central character Jordan Myles. Signed on the title page: “To Karen, Martina”. £40

038: THE WILL TO WIN: An inside view of the world of tennis by Gardnar Mulloy; 1st USA edition of 1960 in hb & dw with 206 pp. Here is the USA edition of item 25 above, but under a different title. Dedicated on the photo of GM: “To Roy & Clara, in appreciation in just knowing you fine people. Sincerely Gardnar Mulloy.” £50

039: WIMBLEDON STORY by Norah Gordon Cleather; 1st edition of 1947 in hb & dw with 231 pp. Quite the most charming book ever written about matters at the All England Club, this one being about the years around the 2nd World War and how Cleather steered the club through those difficult years. There are many top player-orientated anecdotes involving iconic names. It is dedicated: “To Mae, hope this preparation is up to standard? Sincere regards & love Norah.” £45

040: WIMBLEDON STORY by Norah Gordon Cleather; as item 39 above. This copy has been signed internally by a multitude of international tennis players of the late 1940s, including: “J. Drobny, Karel Kozeluh, Vojtech Vodicka, Franjo Puncec, Frank Sedgman, John Bromwich, Jozsef Asboth, and Norah G. Cleather.” £150

Item 040

TENNIS EVENT PROGRAMMES

041: AUSTRALIAN OPEN 2009: large magazine with 224 pages and with draw insert for second week. £10

042: FRENCH OPEN 2009: large magazine with 138 pages and with draw insert for Men’s final day. £10

043: WIMBLEDON FINAL EDITION PROGRAMMES 1976 to 2009: This is certainly the largest selection of final editions that I have ever been able to offer. Each edition carries the full results and detailed scores of every match played in each year. Each is offered at £10

044: HAND-WRITTEN LETTER BY BILL TILDEN: Guernseys Auctions in New York had quite a raft of Tildeniana in their massive tennis sale in September. As ever signed items sold well, and here is a stunning hand-written letter from Big Bill Tilden to his great friend Arthur Anderson. Written on paper from the Hotel Fontenelle in Omaha (the accompanying envelope is franked Feb 10 1946), the letter starts “Dear Stinky”, thanks him for a the gift of a shirt, talks about last night’s exhibition matches played on wood, Riggs was lucky to win, and Tilden played Bob Harman coming back from a set down to win in 3. It is signed off “Love always, Your old Man Bill”. £300

REAL TENNIS

Rob Fahey will defend his World Professional Singles title in May 2010 at the Royal Melbourne Tennis Club. Having written the ball by ball account of his 2008 defence against Camden Riviere at Fontainebleau (how else can you get the best seat in town?), I am now considering making the trip back to Oz. Anyone else in the UK want to come along? See the report on www.irtpa.com

045: J T FABER BOOK OF TENNIS & RACKETS by Lord Aberdare; 2nd edition of 2001; large 4to format hb & dw with 415 pp. Aberdare’s marvellous historical book on our two sports retains its huge appeal. I have listed this book previously as its price has been substantially reduced. But I list it again as James Bruce has just finished compiling an exhaustive update to the record section of World and British Championship results and title-holders. The book is offered at the very attractive price (40 pp update included) of £20

046: J T FABER BOOK OF TENNIS & RACKETS by Lord Aberdare; 2nd de luxe edition 2001; large 4to format leather-bound edition limited to 150 numbered copies, with gold-blocking and slip-case, all copies signed by Lord Aberdare. £300

047: LE DERNIER JEU DE PAUME A PARIS: This is the complete edition of the French magazine “L’Illustration, Journal Universel” dated Samedi 18 Mai 1850, thus 160 years old! Internally there is a fine engraving (23cm x 14cm) showing the inside of the old Real Tennis court in the Passage Sandrie accompanied by a substantial article (by L.W.) on the history and technique of Le Jeu de Paume. There are plenty of other articles on various aspects of mid-19th century French life and lots of engravings. £75

048: THE BANDIES OF FORTUNE; Perceptions of Real Tennis from Medieval to Modern Times by Geoffrey G. Hiller; 1st standard edition of 2009 in hb & dw with 196 pp. “A scholarly appraisal of the social status of tennis through the ages as seen through the writings of poets, dramatists and imaginative prose writers.” In a run of 300 copies only; the de luxe edition quickly sold out. £20

WIMBLEDON TENNIS PLAYER PHOTO-CARDS

There is a large number of player photo-cards published for Wimbledon fans from c1910 onwards, and these have come very collectable, whether they be by Chaplin Jones, Trim or later photographers. The tennis fans of the 1910/1939 period purchased great numbers of these photo-cards during the Championships as souvenirs of their visits. The great prize was to get a signed copy. Here is a list of my current stock:

049: CHAPLIN JONES: Mrs. Colegate; Miss Joan Fry; Miss Ryan; Lt. Col. A.R.F. Kingscote. Each at £50

050: TRIM WOMEN PLAYERS NUMBERED: X73 Fraulein C. Aussem; H60 Miss H. Krahwinkel; H22 Miss J. Morfey; W2 Miss Sandison; W9 Miss Sandison; A88 Mrs P.W. Anderson; H26 Miss M. Trentham; E97 Miss S.K. Johnson; W46 Miss K. Bouman; F21 Miss H. Jacobs; E19 Mrs H. Wills-Moody; L14 Mrs. Wills-Moody; W16 Mrs Mallory; W32 Miss B. Nuthall; A24 Mrs Eileen Bennett; H19 Mrs E. Fearnley-Whittingstall; W15 Miss K. Tapscott; M19 Miss K.E. Stammers; M16 Miss K.E. Stammers; H75 Miss V. Gallay; A120 Mdlle J. Gallay; X45 Mrs A.K. Guyer; H45 Mrs C.M.B. Marriott; A153 Frau von Reznicek; W70 Miss R. Conquerque; E49 Mrs John Hill; H155 Mrs P. Thomas; E106 Mrs E. Dam; W43 Mrs John Hill; A144 Miss K. Bouman; W45 Miss E. Cross; E89 Mrs A.H. Mellows; E107 Miss E. Stockell; E9 Miss E.H. Harvey; S69 Miss J. Hartigan; A154 Mme Conquerque. Unnumbered: Mrs C. Beekingham; Mme Bordes; Mrs Mallory. Each at £20

Item 049 Item 050 Item 053

050 A: SUZANNE LENGLEN PHOTO-CARDS: She was the most iconic woman player of her era, and much photographed. The four photos shown here ar not identified as to photographers; the item marked 232 is French, the other three were probably taken by Chaplin Jones or early Trims. Each at £50

051: TRIM MEN PLAYERS NUMBERED: A128 H. Cochet; H76 H. Cochet; H13 F.X. Shields; V84 B.M. Grant; A126 J. Borotra; R156 J. Borotra; R126 J. Borotra; W100 J. Borotra; H77 Dr. P.D.B. Spence; H96 H.W. Austin; H126 F.J. Perry; W73 H.W. Austin; X35 J.S. Olliff; R125 R. Menzel; E44 I.G. Collins; X109 H.W. Austin; X78 W.T. Tilden. Unnumbered: B.I.C. Norton; A.F. Wilding; Max Woosnam. £20

052: OTHER PHOTO-CARDS: Miss E. Budding; Miss J. Gannon; Mrs M. du Pont; Miss D.E. Starkie; Mrs J.R. Susman; Miss P. Rodgers; Miss S. Fry; Mrs S. Summers; Miss M. Connolly; Mrs P. Todd; Mrs P.C. Todd; Miss R.H. Bentley; J. Kramer; T. Ulrich; J. Drobny; N.A. Fraser; S. Davidson; J. Arkinstall; M. Rose; N. Pietrangeli; L. Buding; L. Hoad; K. Rosewall. Each at £15

053: SIGNED PHOTO-CARDS: Nancy Shaffee £30; E102 Herman David £50; Kurt Nielsen £30.

054: SIGNED PAPER SLIPS: Jean Forbes £30; Andrea Jaeger £20; Beverley Fleitz £35; Betty Stove £30; Ken Rosewall £30; Vic Seixas £30; Antoine Gentien £35; Alex Olmedo £30; Bryan Grant £35; Frank Sedgman £30; Cliff Richey £40; Ashley Cooper £30.

A RARE AND VERY EARLY LAWN TENNIS MAGAZINE

055: PASTIME: The Lawn-Tennis Journal for Wednesday June 29 1887: This is very good condition example of the first ever Lawn Tennis magazine, this one published in the year of Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee and the year that Charlotte “Lottie” Dod won her first Wimbledon to become the youngest Wimbledon Singles champion at 15 years and 285 days, a record that stands to this day. There were only 8 ladies in the draw that year! The magazine is about 4to with a gorgeous front cover; internally there are many advertisements for tennis equipment, articles of general lawn tennis interest, and reports on lawn tennis events the length and breadth of England. The Beckenham tournament gets special coverage. Of 15 pages of text, Lawn Tennis gets 10 pages, with Athletics and Football also covered. It is most unusual for contemporary magazines of this vintage to survive so well in such good condition. £100

Item 055 Item 058 Item 059

TWO MOST UNUSUAL RACKET SPORTS RULES BOOKS FROM THE 1920s
056: TABLE-LAWN-TENNIS (or “TAB-TEN”): Original 1st edition rules booklet (?1922) with 16 pp in small format pb. Described as “England’s New National Game” this is Lawn Tennis played on portable miniature hard courts (i.e. trestle tables) on which a game very like Table Tennis is played. The rules are authorised by the Table Lawn Tennis Association and published by David King Ltd who are the sole manufacturers of all the equipment. There are 37 detailed rules which contain a mix of lawn and table tennis, and several pages of equipment advertisements. With this lot is also a further publicity leaflet of 4 pages promoting the game, and a complete net attached to two finely turned wooden net posts set up on two ornate brass clamps for fitting to the table, all in good condition. £125

057: RULES OF TENNIKOIT or RING TENNIS: “The New National Game” as published by R.H. Mottram in Shropshire, in very small format pb with 8 pp and illustrated with photos. This game was lawn tennis in miniature played over a net and the missile was a hand-held rubber ring thrown over the net as opposed to hitting a ball with a racket. Lawn Tennis is the core of the rules and the scoring. £50

MY EARLIEST DAVIS CUP PROGRAMME

058: DAVIS CUP PROGRAMME FOR JULY 1928, for the Challenge Round played between France (the holders) and the USA (the challengers) on 27, 28, and 29 July 1928 at the Stade Francais at the Racing-Club de France. This is a 48 page time-capsule containing various articles of tennis interest and a complete list of every Davis Cup tie played since 1900. The centre pages give the draws showing that Friday’s matches had Tilden beating Lacoste in 5 sets, and then Cochet beating Hennessy in 4 sets. The final result was that France beat the USA by 4 ties to 1 and thus retained the Davis Cup for the third consecutive year and retaining it for three more still to come. The programme is in remarkably good condition save for the front lower portion of the front cover having being torn off and refixed. £150

A BOOKLET OF WIMBLEDON CENTRE COURT TICKETS FOR 1939

059: There are plenty of sports events ticket collectors and this is a very unusual item. It is a booklet containing tickets for each of the last 6 days of Wimbledon 1939. The tickets are still attached internally and complete with ground entry counterfoils. They are marked up for Staircase 20 Row C seat 4 and over-stamped “Complimentary”. The Secretary of the All England Club is signed as D(udley) .R. Larcombe. (I also have a small quantity of odd Wimbledon tickets for 1972, 1978, 1979, 1981, 1982, 1984, 1994, each at £2). The booklet is at £50

ORIGINAL ENGRAVINGS OF REAL TENNIS SCENES FROM THE 19TH CENTURY

Original works are exceptionally hard to find (understatement!); the following items are pages taken from 19th century magazines and newspapers and are the complete sheet containing the tennis scene. All are offered in their natural state so as to prove authenticity, and all are ready for mounting/matting and framing behind glass. The measurements are firstly the over-all size of the sheet and then the actual size of the image and text.

060: TENNIS COURT AT STRATHFIELDSAYE from The Illustrated London News dated February 1, 1845. This view shows the tennis court at the house of the Duke of Wellington, a house given to him by a grateful nation after his success at the battle of Waterloo in 1815. The scene shows a men’s doubles in progress. It appears there is no tambour or grille on the court. This period of the first 50 years of the 19th century carries hardly any English language literature on tennis. (26cm x 39cm; 16cm x 13.5cm) £50

061: THE NEW YORK TENNIS AND RACQUET CLUB from the Scientific American dated April 15, 1893. This full page series of engravings shows varies cut-away scenes within the RTC. At the top is the club exterior from the street, and a view of the tennis court from the dedans. Below that is the complete side-view of the floors within the club, and at the bottom is the rackets court and changing room. (26.5cm x 40cm; 26.5cm x 40cm) £75

Item 061 Item 062 Items 064 & 065

062: THE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH….FAIRS V. LATHAM AT THE QUEEN’S CLUB LAST SATURDAY from The Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News dated October 14, 1905. This engraving shows “Punch” Fairs at the service end about to drive for the grille. This match was played over two days, the second being at Prince’s Club. (28cm x 40cm; 24cm x 18.5cm) £50

063: LE DERNIER JEU DE PAUME A PARIS from L’Illustration, Journal Universel dated Samedi, 18 Mai 1850. This is in fact the entire newspaper of 16 pages which contains many articles and engravings of topical French news. Internally is this lovely view of the now defunct court at the Passage Cendrier. It is accompanied by a lengthy article called “Histoire de la Paume” signed by L.W. The view from the dedans suggests there might not have been a tambour. A men’s doubles is in progress with the marker at the net. Whereas single engravings are occasionally seen, it is most unusual to find the entire newspaper. (26cm x 38.5cm; 23cm x 134cm) £125

Item 060 Item 063

STAMPED ENVELOPES SPECIALLY FRANKED AT THE WIMBLEDON CHAMPIONSHIPS

For many years, the little Post Office at Wimbledon offered a unique mailing service wherein letters that you mailed there during the Championships were over-franked with the specially designed franking stamps. The following items are addressed envelopes with the current stamps of the day and the special franking. It is probable that most of these have been postally used.
064: 1958, 1959, 1960, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1972, 1974, 1975, 1976. Each at £5
065: A postcard franked for “The Centenary of Lawn Tennis 11 June 1972 Leamington Spa.” £10

066: Great Britain Home Match Davis Cup Programmes: These are quite early programmes with anything from 8 to 32 pages each. 1954 vs Belgium; 1958 vs Germany; 1958 vs France; 1961 vs South Africa; 1964 vs Yugoslavia. Each at £10

ALAN CHALMERS
08 OCTOBER 2009

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