The Babe Ruth Story.

RUTH, Babe.

Item Number: 106746

New York: E.P. Dutton & Co., Inc, 1948.

First edition of Babe Ruth’s autobiography. Octavo, original cloth, illustrated, pictorial endpapers. Association copy, inscribed by the author on the half-title page in the year of publication, “To my good friend and Pal Dr. Richard Lewisohn From Babe Ruth 1948.” Dr. Lewisohn was a surgeon who experimented with an anti-cancer drug, teropterin (pteroltriglutamic acid). In 1947, Dr. Lewisohn offered Ruth, who had been diagnosed with throat cancer in 1946, to receive this experimental therapy. Dr. Lewisohn was very honest with Ruth about his small chances for a recovery although no formal informed consent was signed. Ruth responded bravely that he would still like to go through with the experimental treatment in order to provide the medical community with information that might help individuals in the future with the same ailment. Thus, Ruth became a subject in one of the first clinical trials of an anti-cancer drug. Dr. Lewison’s experimental course of teropterin injections led to a dramatic, albeit short-lived, improvement in Ruth. The improvement in Ruth’s condition was featured in the lead story of September 11, 1947 in the Wall Street Journal which reported on Dr. Lewisohn’s report of the case at a medical conference. The Wall Street Journal stated that researchers might be on the verge of a cure for cancer. As a direct result of Dr. Lewisohn’s treatment, Ruth was able to say farewell to his fans at Yankee Stadium and attend other public functions, as well do the interviews for and see the publication of this book in May of 1948. He was also attend the premiere of the film based on upon this book. Ruth passed away just a short time later on August 16, 1948, before the film’s public release. Near fine in a near fine price-clipped dust jacket with some professional restoration. As told to Bob Considine. Housed in a custom half morocco clamshell box. Signed first editions are scarce, given the short time between the release of the book and Ruth’s passing. Association copies such as this one are highly prized.

The story of the greatest baseball player who ever lived, told in his own words, spans his life and includes the highs and lows, friendships, loves, and feuds, and career milestones of the man who symbolizes America's favorite game.