The Junior Sports Anthology, by Robert F. Kelley, (First Edition, with Inscription), 1945 🏈📚🏆

1. Introduction 📜🔍🏛️

This is a First Edition of "The Junior Sports Anthology," edited by Robert F. Kelley. Published in 1945 by Howell, Soskin, Publishers, this book is a collection of sports stories. This copy is a first edition with a personal gift inscription.

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2. About the Book 📖✍️✨

"The Junior Sports Anthology" is a collection of sports stories and excerpts. The book covers a variety of athletic pursuits, from baseball and football to track and field. The anthology includes illustrations by the sports cartoonist Willard Mullin.

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3. About the Artist/Author/Maker ✍️🏛️

Robert F. Kelley was an American sports journalist and editor who compiled this anthology. The illustrations for the anthology were done by Willard Mullin (1902–1978), a sports cartoonist whose energetic and dynamic style brought a visual element to the book.

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4. Historical/Political Era Context 🌍🕰️📜

Published in 1945, in the aftermath of World War II, this book reflects a cultural moment of looking forward and a desire to celebrate the values of healthy competition and teamwork.

The book's dedication to Grantland Rice, a famous American sports writer, highlights its connection to a prominent era of sports journalism. The book is a nostalgic and historically significant item that reflects the post-war American cultural landscape.

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5. The Ideal Collector 💡🧐🏛️

This book is a unique rare book with exceptional provenance. As a First Edition of a vintage children's book, it is a highly desirable item. The personal gift inscription adds a layer of unique provenance.

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6. Value & Rarity 💎✨🏛️

This book is a Rare First Edition of a vintage children's book. The illustrations by Willard Mullin, an iconic sports cartoonist, are a key feature that adds significant value. The most compelling aspect of this copy is the gift inscription on the front endpaper. This personal detail transforms the book into a one-of-a-kind collectible that tells a story of its history.

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7. Condition 🔎📚✨

This book is in good vintage condition.

• There is no dust jacket.

• The hardcovers show some rubbing and wear on the corners and spine.

• The front endpaper contains a handwritten gift inscription.

• The pages are clean, and the binding is solid.

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8. Fun Facts & Unique Features 🤓📜🤩

• The anthology is dedicated to Grantland Rice, a famous American sports writer.

• The illustrations are by Willard Mullin, a celebrated sports cartoonist.

• The book has a personal gift inscription from Aunt Carolyn to Donnie for Christmas 1948.

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9. Supporting Information 🏷️📦💰

• Author: Robert F. Kelley

• Publication Date: 1945

• Edition: First Edition

• Publisher: Howell, Soskin, Publishers

• Place of Publication: New York

• Origin: United States

• Book Cover Type: Hardcover

• Illustrator: Willard Mullin

• Genre: Sports, Anthology, Children's Literature, Non-fiction

• Transcription: The handwritten inscription on the front endpaper reads: “To Donnie From Aunt Carolyn. Christmas 1948.”