Monster of the Midway: Bronko Nagurski, the 1943 Chicago Bears, and the Greatest Comeback Ever by DENT, Jim - 2003

New York: Thomas Dunne Books, 2003. Hardcover. Small 4to. Burgundy paper over boards with gilt spine lettering, pictorial dust jacket. xiv, 304pp. Illustrations. Fine/fine. A tight, superb and pristine first edition of this tale of the legendary Chicago Bears fullback and Hall of Famer (1908-90) -- with a fine twist: This copy has six matching, special heavy stock 5" X 3" cards tipped to the front flyleaf (both sides), each signed and dated by a different teammate of Nagurski's from the famed 1943 team. As follows: DAN FORTUNATO (1916-95), offensive lineman, Pro Football Hall of Famer (blue ballpoint, dated 1977 March 27; SID LUCKMAN (1916-98), five-time all-pro quarterback, Pro Football Hall of Famer (blue fineline, dated 1985 March 27); "BULLET BILL" OSMANSKI (1915-96), fullback, College Football Hall of Famer (black ballpoint, dated 1973 December 7); HAMPTON POOL (1915-2000), defensive end (black fineline, dated 1974 April 2); JOHN W. SIEGAL (1918-2015), defensive end (black ballpoint, dated 1978 October 11, adds "Chicago Bears 1939-1943"); "BULLDOG" TURNER (1919-98), center and linebacker (blue ballpoint, dated 1973 November 27). All are bold and fine; Siegal rates very good, with minor abrasion at upper right. The original mailing envelopes for all six are housed in archival sleeve at rear. A wonderful assemblage.