THE BOBBY JONES STORY, INSCRIBED BY HIM

KEELER, O.B. and RICE, Grantland. The Bobby Jones Story. Atlanta: Tupper & Love, (1953). Octavo, original dark blue cloth gilt, original dust jacket. $4500.

First edition, second printing of the authoritative biography of the golfing legend, based on the writings of O.B. Keeler, inscribed by Bobby Jones—“For J. D— J—-, with best wishes, Bob Jones”—and further inscribed by the dedicate, Keeler’s widow: “Hoping you will have many pleasant moments visiting with OB and Bobby in these pages. 'Mommer' Keeler. April 1955.”

"Jones left an enduring legacy of athletic prowess and exemplary personal characteristics. No one is likely to break his records of 13 U.S. and British national championships, and four in one year (he won the U.S. Open a total of four times, the U.S. Amateur five times, the British Open three times and the British Amateur one time)… The name Bobby Jones will continue to represent the highest standards of amateurism, sportsmanship, and self-mastery" (ANB). Atlanta journalist O.B. Keeler "chronicled every tournament stroke ever played by the legendary Bobby Jones. He saw Bobby Jones—just 14 years old—win his first big tournament, the Georgia Amateur in 1916. Soon after, the two became close companions. He traveled 150,000 miles with Jones and is the only man to witness all of Jones' 13 major championship wins—most notably the grand slam victories of 1930" (Georgia Golf Hall of Fame). Keeler was known as "the Boswell of Bobby Jones." He died in 1950; sports journalist Grantland Rice, who prepared this book from Keeler's writings, dedicated the book to Keeler's widow, Eleanor. Illustrated with 20 pages of black-and-white photographs. Stated second printing (November 1953), a month after the first. Donovan & Murdoch 31770.

Book with minor rubbing to spine ends, dust jacket with shallow chipping and wear to extremities, closed tear along front spine seam. A desirable inscribed copy.