Quote:This volume contains the chapters about offensive and defensive linemen (center, guard, tackle, and end) from the first two major books ever written about modern football by three Hall of Fame coaches: "American Football," by Walter Camp (1891), and "A Scientific and Practical Treatise on American Football for Schools and Colleges," by Amos Alonzo Stagg and Henry L. Williams (1893).

The original books were written during an era when players played the entire game without substitution. As a result, the descriptions of player positions mingled the responsibilities of what are now three separate and specialized offensive, defensive, and special teams platoons.

The offensive backs were also the defensive backs, punters, place-kickers, and kick-returners. The fullback was the primary kicker and also played defensive safety. The quarterback played a linebacker position on defense.

The offensive tackle also played defensive tackle and was sometimes a ball-carrier. The center, guards, and ends likewise played on both sides of the ball. This confusion is clarified in this updated volume, which separates and categorizes the responsibilities into platoons.

The Lost Century of Sports Collection publishes rare works from America's sporting heritage. Other volumes include "The Lost Century of American Football," "The American Football Trilogy," and "Daughters of the Lost Century."