Archie’s Little Black Book – Signed 1959 Edition

Description

This 1959 sixth edition of Archie’s Little Black Book is a rare find, especially with its personalized inscription to renowned Arizona State University track coach Baldy Castillo. The book is a comprehensive guide filled with track and field records, training tips, and motivational content, reflecting Richardson’s dedication to the sport.​

Some of the notable athletes featured include Max Truex (first American to run 3 miles in under 13 minutes and 36 seconds (13:35.7);  Jesse Owens (legendary track star who broke the world record for the broad jump (26’08.25″) in 1935 and famously won four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, directly challenging Hitler’s myth of Aryan supremacy);  Dallas Long  (high school shot put phenom from Phoenix, AZ. Dallas went on to win gold in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and set multiple world records in the shot put during his career); Hal Connolly (one of America’s greatest hammer throwers. Despite partial paralysis in one arm, Connolly won gold at the 1956 Olympics and set multiple world records in the hammer throw); and Cornelius “Dutch” Warmerdam (vaulted over 15 feet at a time when it was thought impossible. This 1940 photo captures his historic jump at UC Berkeley—considered one of the greatest pole vault moments of all time.)

A unique piece of track and field history, connecting two influential figures through this association copy.