PUNT'S SCRAP BOOK; [rare collection of poems, a short story, and short play by an injured miner published as a fund raiser].
Sullivan Ind. [Indiana]: No-Publisher (printed by J. F. Weldele & Co., Terre Haute), 1929. First edition. "Dedicated to all those who are shut in and denied the pleasures of the outside world. I sincerely hope that this little booklet will bring a few moments of sunshine into the lives of those who read it" (from the title page). First page prints an open letter "To the Members of the United Mine Workers of America [and] All Trade Unionists and Their Friends" from officials of the Sullivan, Indiana, Local Union certifying Batey is a member. It reads in part: "Mr. Batey was injured at the Baker mine February 19, 1926 by a fall of slate. Having received a broken back in this accident he has been practically helpless since that time. While confined to his bed, Mr. Batey has composed some poems and sayings which he presents to you for your consideration." Illustrated at front with two reproduction photographs -- "Punt" in baseball uniform "in the summer of 1925, just a few months prior to the time of his injuries" and then in a wheelchair with caption reading, "This photograph was taken in the fall of 1926, and shows the condition in which the author has been in since his accident." Small 8vo stapled buff paperwraps printed and decoratively ruled in black on front; 34 pages plus 23 unnumbered pages of ads for local companies. Very good with covers somewhat rubbed and soiled and contents showing occasional small stains and finger smudges to margins. OCLC locates only 2 copies in libraries. Rare.
Item #72720
Price: $750.00