The Duffer’s Handbook of Golf by Grandland Rice and Clare Briggs - 1st Edition 1926; New York: MacMillian Co; hard cover, 163 pages; 8”x10”; Ink inscription (a clever poem) on inside cover by Grantland Rice; Illustrations by Clair Briggs. Gilt lettering on spine that has some wear.
Grantland Rice (1880-1954), famous for his sports stories in the New York Herald Tribune, was possibly the best-loved sports writer of the 20th century. He ultimately established himself nationally in New York and some of his writing has survived as classic American idioms. It's not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game was coined by Rice. Clare Briggs (1875-1930), was one of America' most popular cartoonists, drawing cartoons for the St. Louis Chronicle, the New York Journal and ultimately at Chicago's American, where he gained national notoriety.
The Duffer’s Handbook of Golf is a fun-loving golfers guidebook. To quote Rice as he pokes fun at swing instruction, “Let the hands lift the mashie blade just as it reaches the ball with
the left wrist somewhat flabby. There is no finer way to top.” Bottom line, this is an entertaining read!
Inside the cover, Grantland Rice not only signs the book, he pens a poem of his creation that reads:
To Alden Swift - who knows his stuff
By green and fairway, trap and rough
Here's hoping that this little book
Will not bring slice, top or hook—
Sincerely, Grantland Rice