Outstanding copy of the ground-breaking 1866 sports anthology "American Pastimes" by Charles A. Peverelly, which is notable for its pioneering use of the phrase "The National Pastime" in relation to baseball, or "Base Ball" as was proper then. While the lords of the game in the 20th Century cribbed the phrase, however, they conveniently ignored Peverelly's research that pegged the game's derivation from the Knickerbockers of New York to go with the myth of Abner Doubleday (unmentioned in these pages). The 556-page book also focuses on yachting, rowing and cricket, and doesn't even get around to baseball until page 336 (with a plate illustration of the 1st known game at Elysian Fields). 5 1/2 x 7 1/2" book has been completely rebound with a stark blue exterior, and is perfect for display. The contents are all original and remarkably pristine with just slight page browning but no visible damage. EX-MT all the way.