[bgar3]

A recent book post has gotten my hopes up that there might be some interest in a book thread, so here is a brief attempt.
I recently acquired my third different binding of Ellard's, Base Ball in Cincinnati.(yes, I am a bibliomaniac). I am still missing one that I know of, not counting later editions.
Harry Ellard, son of George Ellard, one of the original founders, used his father's tremendous collection of original records, photos and memorabilia, to create this important early history of Cincinnati baseball and baseball in general. (The historical materials were later sold at auction by Ellard's estate, where they were purchased primarily by Garry Herrmann and William Kennett, Jr. Unfortunately these were destroyed in a fire. See, Lee Allen, Baseball's Immortal Red Stockings and Soos, Cinncinnati Red Stalkings for a fictional treatment)
There are 2 early editions--the first edition dated 1907 covers the time period until 1876 with substantial coverage of 1869-1870. It is limited to 500 numbered copies, although I have seen copies with the number line blank, and a copy with the limitation page missing. There are at least three different color bindings which feature a beautiful Cincinnati player in uniform.
A. White cloth with gold illustration and lettering
B. White cloth with red illustration and lettering
C. Grey cloth with red illustration and lettering
I do not know of any priority or reason for differences, and I do not believe there is any difference in the contents. My red/white copy is inscribed by Harry Ellard and I have seen anothe signed copy of this binding. I do not own a copy of the white/gold binding at the present time and would like to hear of copies anyone might have, or any other binding variations or unusual copies. I will add illustrations at the end or following posts.
The second edition was published in 1908, does not have a limitation, but probably was also limited to about the same number based upon their appeances in the book world. This edition is important due to a fairly large number of new illustrations and a completely new chapter by Ren Mulford updating the history to 1908. This binding is black or very dark navy with the same red illustration and lettering. There are also 2 relatively inexpensive reprints, one done in 1987 by an Ohio bookstore, the other a trade paperback edition done in 2004 by McFarland. ( well worth picking up if you are interested).
My main interest is in early baseball history books with some association also aspect to the author or other significant figure and I am always interested in hearing about any such books.