Simply put, this is one of the finest antiquities we have ever handled during our six decades in the business. Three stupendous volumes that were the personal scrapbooks of the legendary outfielder. From his earliest days through the peak of his brilliant career, these spectacular archives also provide keen insight into the tumultuous years following the 1919 Black Sox scandal This museum-quality memorabilia is housed in three bound books. Inside the first book (96 pages including interior covers), you will find exceedingly rare material from Jackson's days in Cleveland and Philadelphia, as well as a typed 1937 invitation to the 1908-09 Victor Mills team reunion. Book #2 (46 pages) is highlighted by a marvelous photo image of Joe with Boston Americans manager Bill Carrigan that has never before been seen. There's also a 1917 pre-scandal, typed gambling "dope" letter whose name has mysteriously been cut off and in its stead reads ominously: "your unknown friend." The writer congratulates Jackson on three straights in Game 2 and clearly references inside information for gambling purposes, specifically requesting "a line from you on what is the dope that is going on up there in Chicago." This provides fascinating fodder regarding baseball's decision to ban Jackson for life, accusing him of throwing games with his seven teammates, whether Joe was complicit or not. In addition, there's a marvelous in-painting photo from some unspecified publication showing Jackson in catcher's gear (horizontal grease marks and some tears at the edge). The third book is 112-pages long and is distinguished by a spectacular photo (with 3-inch tear) of Joe seated in his White Sox uniform with chaw in his cheek and breathtaking outfield cigar ads. There are suited men in the background, which serves as foreshadowing for the establishment that was primed to destroy him. On the opposite page is the definitive Charles Conlon image of Cy Young pitching, as well as former Naps teammate and dear friend Willie Mitchell (both identified by Jackson family members and have one or two taped edges). Additionally, there's a 1929 broadside of "Shoeless Joe Jackson's All-Stars" vs. the Scranton Miners. The only known copy of this paper poster belonged to Jackson (minor edge tears, otherwise EX). This entire book is laid over phototogravures of the Civil War, as if they were fighting it all over again. Other high points: a two-page spread with three important 1920s broadsides that show Joe as a member of Waycross ("Champions of South Georgia"), a series of games vs. "Cy Hawkins Champions of North Georgia" to decide "the championship of the state." The other is at Dillon, where "Joe Jackson, former Chicago White Sox star and world's champion natural born hitter" who "ranks above Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth." The best of the three is a 1922 cardboard handbill that is unlike anything we have ever seen and issued by self-promoter Ed "Square Deal" Phelan, co-promoter of the New York Semi-Professional Base Ball Association. In 1922, Phelan had taken control of Jackson and promoted him in the New York City market. The wording is incredible as he was "buried alive to his remarkable come-back." He is taking on all comers here, challenging all to "put up or shut up" (EX-MT). There's a 1927 Jackson negro league broadside (the only one known to exist) that reads: "Joe Jackson and other stars will be positively appear versus the Virginia Colored Giants (poor English but a tremendous piece). Perhaps the best piece here promotes a 2 pm game versus the Knickerbockers of New York (some paper loss at the top). There are two 1916 Chicago White Sox photogravures, a Jackson Longest Throw Award (eerily in black cardboard with a team logo handpainted in white) that reads: "Presented to Joe Jackson for the longest throw in heaving contest between All Stars and Boston Red Sox" as he bested Hooper, Lewis, Speaker and Walker (taped at the top). There's a picturesque 1925 broadside pitting Joe and his club vs. Douglass A&M, promoting Jackson as the star, but claiming "everyone wants to see 'Brown Mule' Smith in action" against Joe. Also included here is a pro-Jackson 1920s letter from Walter A. Hester. As for the scandal, there's a two-page lawsuit filed by the star against the ChiSox, with 10 questions asked of him regarding the infamous 1919 World Series. Questions five through 10 touch on whether he threw the series or took money to that aim, all of which he answered "no." When asked how much he feels he is owed from the state of Wisconsin, the figure given is: $16,711.04. The official document is signed by the clerk on February 16, 1921. The first pages on the following side show each question answered yes, including a confession that he was tricked by Harry Grabiner. Incredibly, the cost of this document was just 50 cents. Other jewels here include two advertising cards for the New York Giants' "pennant winning song of 1917" which could contain a World Series image; an elaborate 1920 letter supporting 1918 WWI service with flag presentation and three 1918 invitations regarding a Sunday baseball game in Bethlehem, PA. The volumes are jam-packed with hundreds of rare newspaper articles all devoted to Jackson, including barnstorming illustrated clippings, many from local Greenville papers which are extremely rare. The post-scandal photos are priceless as they have never before been seen by the public. Some of the pages are loose, the articles are all glued to the pages and there is tape on the edges (not the main pieces unless noted). This singular yet synergistic collection is like nothing ever sold in our hobby. It is the "Dead Sea Scrolls" of baseball memorabilia! *Confidential reserve has been placed on this lot.