As promised, as I re-familiarize myself with my collection, here is some Dr. Elmer stuff. I was originally planning to show my Pope books and signed items, but I have yet to locate my best copy of Yahi Archery. Yikes. I'm sure it is here someplace. The ephemera is my favorite niche of collecting. At any rate here is a set of 1st edition Elmer's, I think all are signed. While Archery and Target Archery are common, the other three are not nearly as common. Included is a personal letter from Doc to Roy Case.

Dennis, Great books.....looks like I'm missing some...thanks for the post.....  :cool:  Hink

A very nice collection of Elmer.  It's not easy to acquire them all, particularly if signed.  I fell fortunate to have them all in my cabinet.   I have the DJ with my copy of "Arab Archery."

Many consider the 200 copy edition of "The United Bowmen of Philadelphia [1953]" to be part of Elmer's works.  I have 102/200.

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Cliff, I'm not sure I ever saw a jacket on Arab Archery. Very nice find. I have a few other letters from Doc, when I can locate them. I also put one of my Earl Ulrich letters in your Earl thread.

Hey Kentucky,  You have a great collection of Elmer's works.  His books have provided me with with a tremendous amount of information over the years.  If I am looking up something on American archery, I always consult his books - "Target Archery" in particular.

I have two copies of "Arab Archery" in dust jackets.  One of them contains the bookplate of A & E Teubner which has the words "A Shandygaff Book" at the top of the bookplate.  Teubner was a well known member of the United Bowmen of Philadelphia and knew Elmer well.  Shandygaff was an estate, and the United Bowmen shot there for a number of years.

Teubner was on the three person committee that arranged for the publication of the United Bowmen History that Cliff refers to.  

The forward in the books notes:

"In the material, reprinted from Dr. Elmer's 'Target Archery', which follows this foreword, you may read about the his revival of The United Bowmen, its interesting history, and its development since 1932.  The United Bowmen's position today as a vigorous organization is due to the dedicated interest and service of a number of outstanding men, but it is felt that no one can tell the story so well as did Dr. Elmer.  Not only did he draw upon the results of much painstaking research but also upon his experience as Recorder of The United Bowmen, to which important post he gave the benefits of a lively mind and a gifted pen for eighteen years.

It is to the memory of Dr. Elmer [1877-1951], as well as in the intest of archers throughout the world, that this 125th Anniversary Book is published."  Today, this book is most difficult to acquire.  My copy is number 86 [out of 200].

"Archery" was republished [2nd ed.] in 1933 in a brown cloth cover and then reissued in 1939 in a blue cloth cover.

However, Kentucky, you have all signed copies which makes your books even more valuable.

Guys thanks for the kind words. Thanks Cliff for the pics. When I was actively collecting I concentrated on 1st editions primarily and upgraded to inscribed ones whenever possible. I somehow missed the United Bowmen book. It has been so long I can't recollect why. My collection pales in comparison to a few out there, but I have had a few small victories over the years. I love correspondence for example. They represent a snapshot in a day in the life of the legends of archery. I will continue to post a few pics as I go through my accumulation, please tell me if you grow tired of seeing them....

I like your stuff -- thanks for sharing!  Everyone who collects has something different from the rest of us in their collections.

Mr Kentucky
I can see my Elmer books require a few more additions to have them all. Please keep posting more of your collection as I find it very informative and have enjoyed your posts! Very much liked your knapping.....Beautiful work!

Elmer rarely gets the credit he deserves.  I know of no archer who has published more on the subject of our history.