Description:

WALTER CAMP
(1859 - 1925) American football coach most influential in setting the rules for the game, including the 11-man team, gridiron field, signal calling, quarterback position, and so on. A fine pairing of items comparing the athletic development of football players with those of wartime military pilots. Included is a T.L.S. on his personal letterhead, 1p. 4to., New Haven, Nov. 8, 1917 to the secretary of the Aero Club in New York. On the same day that Vladimir Lenin, having just toppled the Russian government, called for an armistice with the Central Powers, Walter Camp offers his services for the war effort. In part: "...With the Russian news today this country is brought to a realizing sense of the fact that we should make physically fit every man from 18 to 50. War today is a matter of physical fitness of men in the front and men behind the lines...". Some soiling, a chip at top and a staple hole. Also present is a T.Ms., 7pp. 4to., [n.p., n.d. but undoubtedly ca. 1917], heavily corrected in Camp's hand. The title, also in Camp's hand, is: "The Aviator, the Quarterback of War's Gridiron". In this lengthy essay, Camp stresses that military aviators should be trained in the same way as quarterbacks, and offers his reasoning. In art: "...the aviator is for the army or navy the eyes and nerves of the team...we should look after his physical, mental and nervous condition...Every man in the army and navy should be should be strong, enduring and supple..." Camp then makes the point that while earthbound soldiers use their lower extremities a great deal, pilots should use "setting up" exercises to develop upper body strength. He continues: "...over-developed biceps, startling pectoral muscles, and...tremendously muscled legs are a disadvantage...The real essential is, after all, the engine...lungs, heart and trunk...". Camp points out that age differences should be considered, and makes eight suggestions on how a nationwide program could be instituted. He concludes: "...we have found that it was what was under the ribs rather than what lay over them which was of value...the greater team of ours which is now going upon war's gridiron...I can prepare twenty five leaders, one for each camp...". Great content, and in fine condition.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipment is sent USPS priority, USPS International Express (for most overseas) or UPS Ground at the auctioneer's option, signature required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling, shipping and insurance charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. NOTE: large, heavy or bulky items are not shipped by the auctioneer. Client is responsible for arranging shipping for these pieces. Please see "Bidding Procedures" for contact information of recommended shippers. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee.

December 9, 2011 11:00 AM EST
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 22.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 + $1,000