Lot of four hardcovers, each 4-3/8x6.5”. Each complete w/covers as originally issued in softcover format and nicely bound in later years. Page count ranges from 142 to 162. First three include “American Association” text on inside front cover titles. Fourth book contains two years, 1899 and 1900. Front covers have nice color art of batter w/handlebar mustache wearing pinstripe hat and shirt. Contents are bw w/exception of 1888 issue which has nice color ad on back cover showing Charles Comiskey-Captain in uniform promoting Merrell’s Penetrating Oil. 1888 book includes full page photos of champion batter James E. O’Neill and base runner Harry D. Stovey along w/ several art images of various named players. 1889 has photo section in front w/team owners. 1890 has art of base runner W.R. Hamilton and batter Thomas J. Tucker. 1899 has full page photos of champion batter Wm. Keeler and two different team managers. 1900 has no photos or art of players. First three books have “Sporting News” ink stamp on inside of hard cover, and came from sale of “Sporting News” archive. Inside covers have trace of lt. dust soil, a few pages have corner crease here and there. Covers are worn on 1889, otherwise VG/Fine. Other guides are Fine/VF overall. Gold stamped bindings are Exc. Early and historical, loaded w/stats. From the Richard Merkin Collection and comes w/Hake’s COA.