RARE BOOK Rugby Football by Harry Vassall 1889 first ed Start Price GBP 395.00 Current Price GBP 395.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price GBP 495.00 Reserve Price - Start Time Sunday, November 30, 2008 End Time Sunday, December 07, 2008 Location Stirling See more about 'RARE BOOK Rugby Football by Harry Vassall 1889 first ed' Description RUGBY FOOTBALL titled inside as FOOTBALL: THE RUGBY GAME by HARRY VASSALL   A rare and important rugby book, thought to be the first book ever published specifically about Rugby Football. It was published in 1889 by George Bell & Sons, London, as part of the All-England Series on sport. This is the first edition. Written by Harry Vassall, Hon Treasurer of the Rugby Football Union, late captain of the Oxford University Football Club.  With a chapter on professionalism by Arthur Budd. 73 pages, hardback. Contents include: rise of the Rugby Union; the Union matches; development of the play; captaincy; full back; three quarter back; half back; forward; the referee; the reform of the laws; the effect of professionalism on the Rugby game. Appendix: by-laws, laws of the game, regulations for umpires. Condition: covers rubbed with slight staining to rear cover. Binding is starting to loosen; inside hinge is partly split but a long way from separating. Two previous owners have written their names neatly on the flyleaf but there are no other marks and it is a good clean collectable item. Any questions, please ask. Place a Bid!