NY, Harcourt Brace, (1952). His first book, one of the great baseball novels of all time and basis for a well-received movie. Inscribed by the author in the year of publication to Ray Teal who, along with Malamud, was employed at Oregon State at the time. An interesting inscription: "For Ray Teal/ in place of the wrestling/ match we never got to/ Bern," and dated "July, 1952." Trace shelf wear to cloth at extremities; still a fine copy in red boards, in a near fine dust jacket with a couple tiny tears at the crown. There is no priority established between the copies in red, blue or gray boards, but the red and blue states both seem to be considerably scarcer than the gray. A scarce first edition, and especially so with a contemporary inscription. Housed in a custom clamshell box. From the collection of Bruce Kahn. [#911066] SOLD