Fabled college football coach (1888–1931). Rockne not only made Notre Dame the country’s leading football center, but also revolutionized football theory, stressing offense, organizing the precision backfield of Notre Dame shift, perfecting line play, and developing many stars, including the most famous backfield of all time, the “Four Horsemen of Notre Dame.” He died in a plane crash at the age of forty-three. Signed book: The Four Winners. NY: Devin-Adair Company, 1925. Hardcover, 5.25 x 7.5, 251 pages. Signed on the first free end page in fountain pen, “Sincerely, Knute Rockne.” Signed page also bears a 22-cent Rockne postage stamp, as well as a First Day of Issue stamp and a March 9, 1988, Notre Dame cancellation. In fine condition, with scattered light soiling to covers, mild sunning to spine, and a couple water spots to ends of pages. A most uncommon format for the ever-elusive Rockne! Auction LOA Steve Grad/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
