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[2 (ads)], iv, 83, [1] + [6] ad pp. Illustrated with 4 engraved plates; plus figure drawings within text. 18x12 cm. (7x4¾"), publisher's green cloth-backed pictorial printed gray paper over boards. First Edition. 

The first golf book to be successful in sales. Murdoch states: "This book, somewhat like The Golfer's Manual (1857) in style but considerably more comprehensive in content, includes instruction, history, outstanding golf feats and other golfiana...It also includes 'Rules', the local rules for the Old Course at St. Andrews, a 'Glossary of Technical Terms' and a list of 'Clubs in Great Britain,' which included, at this early date, six in Ireland." First published in 1881 by John Innes, Cupar, Scotland, the book went into numerous reprintings, and by 1897 the title had changed to The Golfer's Manual and contained photographic illustrations. The rare first edition, seldom seen offered at auction; only three other copies found in ABPC auction records for the past twenty-five years. Murdoch 260; D&M 1230; D&J F11740.