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Rare Books & Catalogues
Ray Schuler pool cuesRare Books & Catalogues
 | #12-01 The Billiard Encyclopedia may be the most authoritative and historical book ever written on the game of billiards. About 10 inches wide, 13 inches tall, the 640 pages contain extensive photographs and information on the cues, tables and personalities that were significant in the evolution of pool and billiards. A must-have book for every home billiard room. Limited-time offer: $75.00. Regular price: $150.00. | |
 | #12-02 Reprint of Brunswick-Balke-Collender catalog from 1923-1924. Out of print for years, this high-quality full-color reproduction of Brunswick's original catalog is an important piece of billiard history. It features many tables, including the Aviator, Wilmington, Madison, Regal, Regina, Rochester, Arcade and includes color photos and technical information about each table. It details the history of the company and gives information on how tables are constructed. It also shows the full line of billiard accessories, soda fountain equipment and tobacco cases available for sale at the time. Each of the 68 pages is about 13 inches wide, 9 inches tall. $85. | |
 | #12-03 Brunswick-Balke-Collender catalog from 1881. Reprinted in 1973, this high-quality reproduction of Brunswick's original catalog is printed on heavy paper and each page is ideal for framing. It features many tables, including the Monarch, Nonpariel, Eclipse and Exposition Novelty and lists original prices and types of woods used. It also shows the full line of unusual home tables, cue racks and ball racks that were available for sale at the time. Each of the 8 pages is about 13 inches tall, 11 inches wide. $50. | |
 | #12-04 Rarest of the rare! Personal note written and signed by J.M. Brunswick himself. Dated August 6, 1876, it tells members of the J.M. Brunswick and Balke Company that the Cincinnati office has "never made any money" and as a result, personal expense accounts will be limited to a maximum of $50 per month per person. Original document, not a copy. A unique and important piece of U.S. and Brunswick history. About 8 inches wide and 12 inches tall. $3,500.00. | |
 | #12-05 A very rare document signed by Julius Balke, who at the time was corporate secretary of the Brunswick-Balke-Collender Company. Addressed to Leo Schmidt, another corporate officer, this tells of scheduling the annual meeting of stockholders on February 18, 1894. A notation at the lower left, presumably by Mr. Schmidt, complains of the short notice. Original document on Brunswick stationary, not a copy. A one-of-a-kind piece of history. About 8 inches wide and 7 inches tall. $2,000.00. | |
 | #12-06 Commemorative rulebook issued by the Billiard Congress of America in 1998 in observance of their 50th year. A must-have for the serious billiard enthusiast, this work includes rules for most popular billiards games, guidance for referees and instructional tips for beginning players. Winners of all past championships are listed, along with world record holders and biographies of Hall of Fame members. A total of 240 pages, about 5 inches wide and 8 inches tall. Soft-cover version (left) $40, special edition with embossed hard cover and gold leaf lettering (right) $250. | |
 | #12-07 This three volume set is one of the most rare billiard publications ever. "The Billiard Atlas" by Walt Harris was first published in 1991 and won immediate acclaim for its unique description of aiming systems for banks and caroms. Subsequent volumes were published in 1993 and 1996 and included detailed discussions of mechanics, stroke techniques and mental issues. Said by many to be an indispensible reference work. Set of 3 volumes $4,500.00 | |
 | #12-09 "How to Play Billiards" by Tom Newman (left), published in 1935. The third edition, it includes 54 illustrations and photographs of shot-making mechanics. Includes chapters devoted to striking the ball, use of english, and break techniques. 219 pages, about 5 inches wide, 8 inches tall, good condition $60. "Billiards" by Walter Lindrum (right) was first published in 1930. This fifth edition was published in 1952 contains 78 photos and diagrams. Includes instructions for breaks, masse shots, position play and temperament. 149 pages, about 5 inches wide, 8 inches tall. Dust cover stained and worn (see photo). Otherwise good condition $150. | |
 | #12-10 "Billiards, How to Play and Win" by Melbourne Inman (left) is an early edition with an introduction by S.A. Mussabini. Contains 45 specially drawn diagrams and tips for players of all abilities. Sections devoted to mechanics, safeties and using the mechanical bridge. 108 pages, about 4 inches wide and 6 inches tall. Good condition. $50. "Billiards Simplified" by Wallace Ritchie is a great addition to any historical billiard library. This "revised edition" was published about 1910. This copy is quite rare, and includes an introduction by Edward Diggle, one of the leading professional players of the day. Includes a review for the Buroughes & Watts "Inflexible" cue, which first appeared in 1909. 72 pages, about 5 inches wide and 7 inches tall. Good condition. $150. | |
 | #12-11 Set of four BCA rulebooks published over three decades. A nice addition to a billiard memorabilia collection. Trace the changes to the rules of play, equipment specification, and note the new games created during that time period. Editions from 1982, 2000, 2005 and 2011. Brand new, never used. Set of four $125. | |
 | #12-12 This Willie Hoppe book was one of the first instructional works by the great players of the 1900s. Published in 1941, it includes 96 diagrams and 37 high-quality photographs that illustrate his techniques. His explanation of the diamond system provided insight that had been previously unavailable to the general public. 78 pages, about 8 inches wide, 11 inches tall. Hard cover (as shown) $70, soft cover (not shown) $35. | |
 | #12-13 Instruction manuals by two of the greatest players in billiards history. "Minnesota Fats on Pool" (left) gives his insights on shotmaking and mechanics. Includes game rules for many of the popular billiard games. Printed in 1976, 120 pages, about 4 inches wide, 7 inches tall. $20. "Trick and Fancy Shots in Pocket Billiards" (right) by Jimmy Caras, was first printed in 1948. This updated 1966 edition is personally signed by the author. Each crowd-pleasing shot is fully diagrammed with instructions on how to aim and on where to hit the cue ball. 78 pages, about 5 inches wide, 7 inches tall. $50 | |
 | #12-14 Daly's Billiard Book (left), 1934 edition, is an excellent reference book for pool enthusiasts. Extensive discussion of position play. Illustrated with more than 400 diagrams, 30 technical photographs and three "strategy maps." 276 pages, about 5 inches wide, 7 inches tall, good condition $150. "The Game of Billiards" (right) by John Roberts, was published in London. This 1905 first edition includes 142 diagrams of interesting shots, often on the snooker table. Includes instructions on cleaning and maintaining the pool table and equipment. 124 pages, about 5 inches wide, 7 inches tall, fair condition, $225. | |
 | #12-15 "How to Play Snooker" by Stanley Newman (left) is a second edition published in 1936. The introduction is by billiards champion Tom Newman. Contains numerous photos and diagrams and tips for players of all abilities. Sections devoted to mechanics, rules. and techniques of the pros. 81 pages, about 5 inches wide and 7 inches tall. Good condition. $40. "Billiards and Snooker for Amateurs" by Horace Lindrum is a great addition to any historical billiard library. First published in 1937, this thoroughly revised 1948 edition includes numerous drawings and diagrams throughout the 117 pages of helpful tips for casual players. About 5 inches wide and 7 inches tall. Excellent condition. $35. | |
 | #12-16 "Hustlers, Beats, and Others" (left) is the classic study of deviant behavior by renowned sociologist Ned Polsky. Poolrooms and their hustlers, beats and jazz musicians are just some of the diverse subjects expertly woven together in this groundbreaking work. 1998 edition, 265 pages. about 5 inches wide and 8 inches tall. Condition as new. $600. "The Hustler's Handbook" by Steve Allen (right) is the manual of how to play pool for fun and for profit. This rare copy of the out-of-print book contains chapters on slumps, choking and intimidation. 268 pages, about 5 inches wide and 8 inches tall. Condition as new. $200. | |
 | #12-18 1999 Billiard Yearbook. A comprehensive review of major tournaments and other billiard events held during 1999. Numerous photos and player profiles. Includes information on cues, artwork and antique billiard memorabilia. A very thorough documentary for anyone interested in the history of billiards. 448 pages, about 11 inches wide and 8 inches tall. Brand new hardcover edition. $150. | |
 | #12-19 Published in 1966 by the A.E. Schmidt Company, this rare collection of material contains information not available elsewhere. Included are rules for 65 games, some quite obscure. Directions for conducting tournaments and maintaining cues, tables and other equipment is available in detail. 126 pages, about 9 inches wide, 12 inches tall. Good condition, $50 | |
 | #12-20 "The Science of Pocket Billiards" by Jack Koehler. Covers everything from basics to the most advanced concepts of pool. Includes 33 photographs and 277 illustrations to help clarify the material presented. The occasional player can skim through the book and learn enough for a lifetime of casual play while a serious student of pool can study this book for months or even years and continue to gain valuable knowledge. 262 pages, about 8.5 inches wide, 11 inches tall. Hardcover edition signed by the author $45. | |
 | #12-22 "A Mind for Pool" (Left) A handy reference to everything about the mental side of billiards play. Shows how to eliminate mental mistakes. Sections on playing under pressure, troublesome opponents, and on adapting to adverse conditions. 304 pages, about 7 inches wide, 10 inches tall. $50, "Pool Players Edge" (Right) Important reading for anyone serious about pool. Describes advanced techniques and tactics to help out-play and out-think the competition. Discusses game strategy and how to control the table. 218 pages, about 7 inches wide, 10 inches tall. $35. | |
 | #12-23 "The Game of Billiards" (Left) A step-by-step course in strategy, tactics and manual dexterity necessary for effective play. Includes definitions of billiard terms, general rules and scoring. Detailed instruction and practice lessons with diagrams and drawings. 165 pages, about 5 inches wide, 8 inches tall. $20. "How to Win at Pocket Billiards" (Right) A product of 35 years of research by the author, this volume discusses the various games of pocket billiards and then outlines techniques and exercises to benefit players of all skill levels. Explores specific situations that occur during a game. Includes 88 diagrams and 40 photos. 256 pages, about 5 inches wide, 8 inches tall. $50. | |
 | #12-24 "Simply Pool" (Left) Provides the basics of pocket billiards for beginners and useful information for more advanced players. Discusses shooting systems, practice techniques and gives clear instructions for banks, combinations, using English and the diamond system. 124 pages, about 5.5 inches wide, 8 inches tall. $20. "The Pro Book" (Right) Widely considered to be the most advanced training resource for pool players. Intended for those who want to train physically, mentally, and emotionally for pool competition. 130 reference shots, keyed into memory with 16 primary shots. 290 pages, about 7 inches wide, 10 inches tall. $40 | |
 | #12-26 "Precision Pool" Useful reading for both professionals and amateur players. Insights and techniques to improve performance while giving attention to the artistry and sheer fun of the game. Chapters on critical shots, safety play, and mental toughness. 246 pages, about 8.5 inches wide, 11 inches tall. $20 | |
 | #12-27 "Aiming on the Cutting Edge" A study of concepts, theories, techniques, and tips to develop a precision aiming system for pocket billiards. Includes more than 300 illustrations, demonstrations and practice drills. Spiral bound to open flat for easy reference while practicing. 574 pages, about 8.5 inches wide, 11 inches tall. $60 |