xix, [1], 211 pp. + plates. Preface by J.C. Squire. Illustrated by the authors: 43 numbered plates, mostly course plans (22 of which are in color); plus other illustrations including engraved frontispiece with tissue-guard, wood engravings and drawings within text, head and tail-pieces. 10¼x7¾", original gilt-ruled orange full vellum, spine lettered in gilt, some pages unopened, top edge gilt, other edges untrimmed. One of 50 "Large Paper" copies specially bound in full orange vellum; this copy unnumbered, apparently out-of-series. First Edition.
Signed by both authors, Wethered and Simpson, on the limitation page. Classic book of golf architecture with superb essays on the philosophy of golf architecture, ink sketches and color washes. According to Murdoch, it is "a most desirable book to have in a golf library." Simpson believed that only by studying the "Old Course" at St. Andrews could one properly understand golf course design and construction. Scarce at auction. Murdoch 841; D&M 39420; D&J W10390.
Roger Wethered was himself a very skilled amateur golfer, and is remembered today for his narrow loss in the 1921 Open Championship to American professional Jock Hutchinson. Leading on the 17th hole in the last round of regulation, he accidentally stepped on his ball, the penalty dropped him into a tie, and he lost the next day in a 36-hole playoff. He was a close friend of Bobby Jones, and gave the address at his memorial service. Roger Wethered's sister was Joyce Wethered, one of the greatest women golfers.
Condition:
Covers bowed, as usual, minor discoloration to vellum; mild darkening to endpapers, small tear at fore-edge of one unopened signature (pp. 9-12), overall very good or better.