Versatile Native American athlete (1887–1953), widely regarded as the finest all-around athlete of the twentieth century, who won two Olympic gold medals and excelled in football, baseball, and basketball. His Olympic medals were stripped from him for an ostensible violation of the amateur status rule (Thorpe had earlier played minor-league baseball) but were posthumously restored to him in 1983. Signed book: Fabulous Redmen by John S. Steckbeck. First edition, first printing. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania: J. Horace McFarland Company, 1951. Hardcover with dustjacket, 6.25 x 9.25, 150 pages. Signed and inscribed in ink on the front free end page, “To Mr. Richard Webb, Best wishes, John S. Steckbeck” and “Me too, Jim Thorpe.” Rubbing, edge wear, and losses to jacket and a hint of very subtle toning to interior, otherwise fine, clean condition. JSA/Mike Gutierrez Auction LOA and RRAuction COA.
