BAUM, L[yman] Frank. The Book of the Hamburgs. A Brief Treatise upon the Mating, Rearing and Management of the Different Varieties of Hamburgs. NY: Books of Wonder, 1991. 12mo, 72pp. Pictorial paper wrappers. 10 full-page b&w illustrations. Minute rubbing to spine ends, else a near fine copy.

Second edition. Baum originally wrote the piece as an article for the journal The Poultry World, where it appeared in installments from July to November 1882. The article was commissioned by the journal's publisher, H. H. Stoddard, who re-issued it as a book in 1886, apparently without the author's knowledge. Though the text is a technical and fact-based treatment of its subject, Baum's enthusiasm and literary flair occasionally manifests itself as does his optimistic narrative style. This edition is a facsimile reprint of the original first edition.