Addie Joss lived, excelled, and died before Ty Cobb's career was a quarter over, before George Ruth turned pro and became the Babe, before the Snodgrass Muff or the Miracle Braves, before newsreels and radio. In his time, he was one of the greats. He left astonishing numbers, one transcendently great game, and a reputation as both a fine man and a fierce competitor. This book is a long-overdue biography of one of baseball's giants, but it is also a reminder of a time, of a way of life, and of the transience of fame. It's a book any fan of the game as it once was will treasure.

Baseball historian Scott Longert teaches courses on the origins of baseball. He is a graduate of Ohio State University, and lives in Cleveland with his wife Vicki and two golden retrievers, Spencer and Hunter.