Baseball's Golden Age: The Photographs of Charles M. Conlon

by Neal McCabe

A celebration of the photographic art of Charles Conlon features more than two hundred images (selected from the photographer's eight thousand negatives) of such legendary figures as Ty Cobb, Joe DiMaggio, Honus Wagner, Shoeless Joe Jackson, and others.

Genres: Baseball, Sports, Photography, Nonfiction

198 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1993

Reviews

[Frances · Rating 5 out of 5]

These are some of the most iconic baseball photographs ever taken. Charles Conlon was a photographer who shot photos of players, umpires, managers, coaches, and fans. He is largely forgotten today. His photos appeared in The Sporting News, Spalding Guide, and other sport publications. These pictures are from 1904 to 1942. Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Ty Cobb, Dizzy Dean, Joe DiMaggio, Ted Williams, Christy Mathewson, and Tris Speaker are among the players shown. A baseball classic and a joy to read.

[Yousseif Abdellatif · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not gonna lie, I rolled my eyes at the premise of Baseball's Golden Age and then got totally sucked in. Neal McCabe treats a ridiculous idea with such a straight face that you buy it. It's a little goofy by the end. Good for readers who like to be talked into things, skip if you can't suspend disbelief.

[Yousseif Abdellatif · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and sweet: Baseball's Golden Age: The Photographs of Charles M. Conlon is better than the cover makes it look. What worked: the humor sneaks up on you, and the main duo has real chemistry. What didn't: the villain is a cartoon and the stakes are fuzzy. Recommend for a light, breezy weekend read, skip for anyone wanting a serious, gritty story.

[Chuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing black and white photos of an incredible time in baseball history. A must read for all fans of this great game.

[Bob S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible photographs of those old-timey baseball players. They really bring the old pastime to life.

[Guy Pauley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful collection of photos from the early days of baseball. Conlon had a great eye and definitely thought a little differently than most sports photographers of his era.

[Ben Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow fascinating book. I had no clue of some of the history behind baseballs most famous photos

[Jay Y. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing photographs of baseball players from 1904 to 1942. The pictures and faces really jump off the page and each photo has a short bit of text about the player, the time, or the picture itself. Well researched, well written, and well presented. The brother and sister team that put the book together clearly enjoyed the project and it shows. She reprints the pictures from the original (in some cased) glass plate negatives). He did a great job capturing the life of Conlon who clearly was comfortable out of the spotlight. It really brings alive the players of this era. Worth a read and/or purchase. Can be read in one long sitting or many short bursts.

[Doug · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice photographs by early baseball photographer with little vignettes about players etc. Coffee-table book.

[Alan]

it has stories about some baseball players from the 1900's

[Sherri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful book of classic baseball photographs. Can't say I knew of any of the players other than DiMaggio, Ruth, and a few others. Nice history of early sports photographing.

[Eve · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a gorgeous book of photographs that documents the players and stories that gave baseball some of the personality and richness that make it special ...

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who am I to argue with Roger Angell who called this, "the best book of baseball photographs ever published."