FIRST EDITION OF HUTCHINSON’S BRITISH GOLF LINKS, 1897, WITH HUNDREDS OF PHOTOGRAPHIC VIEWS

HUTCHINSON, Horace G. British Golf Links. London: J.S. Virtue, 1897. Folio (10 by 13 inches), original pictorial olive cloth, beveled edges. $2200.

First trade edition of this illustrated survey of 54 "leading golf links of the United Kingdom," with hundreds of photographic views of courses and portraits of famous golfers.

Hutchinson was an accomplished golfer, winning the first two British Amateur Championships (1886-87) and playing in one of the first exhibition rounds in America. "Reading any of his books is enjoyable for it is obvious that here was a man who knew what he wanted to say, was not afraid to say it and then said it with some wit, purpose and intelligence" (Murdoch 387). "Certainly no account of the literature of this era would be complete without acknowledging [his] contributions" (Donovan & Murdoch, 13). With richly illustrated chapters on each of 54 major links courses, with photographs of the more challenging holes. Five pages of advertisements at rear. Preceded by a limited edition of only 250 copies. Donovan & Murdoch 2940. Bookplates, including that of the USGA Golf Museum and Library; inkstamp of the Brookline Country Club in Massachusetts (donated by the club to the USGA Golf Museum); owner signature dated 1995.

Interior clean and fine, inner hinges expertly reinforced. A few small stains to front cover, light rubs to spine ends and corners. A bright, near-fine copy.