Dogs of Velvet and Steel By Bob Stevens

[dragonknight]

I recently saw copies of this book for $200 to $600. I actually have a copy of this book that I ordered 4 years ago from Bob Stevens him self. It only cost me $40. He even autographed it to me but got my name wrong, but close...LOL...

Any way does any one know why the book is selling so high right now. I am getting out of the pitbull bussiness due to new harsh laws in my area coming about. I still have my boy right now he 4 but not sure how long I will still have him. He is OFRN, but Not red. He is a throw back seal color. He is off Buenous Aires and Larson Keenels a show breed.

[houstonapbt]

...you trying to sell your copy of the book?:D

[dragonknight]

I am really not considering selling it. I kind of look at it as a bit of history. I just recently heard the writer got into some trouble and I was looking up dog books and came across copies of it selling for very high prices. I found this very interresting. Actually it was only 3 copies one was for $200 then one for like $340 or I think and another for $600. I just am wandering why does someone think they can get that for a book?

[Saiyagin]

That book is a rare find because its not being produced anymore that little red book to me is like a piece of history of the American PitBull Terrier. I wouldnt sell my banged up copy of it but pass it down to the next generation of true pit dog men in my family.

[misterdogman]

Man I got like 3 copies of it..2 aint been opened...I got them from some guys at a show in 99'...I just might have to make 2 available at wholesale prices. I never expected it to be a pricey item...I considered it a history piece but dang 600$ is a dog...and if I sell both????? Thats 2.

[yellaman420]

That book is mothers milk! I have used it to save one dogs life, come up with a breeding program/ conditioning program and it introduced me to hog-doggin! Uncle Bob's book is one of the great old ones out there, if you can find a buyer at that price, make that money.

[dragonknight]

Well it sounds like a good pop in cash myself but really would anyone pay that...???? for real....I found the prices by typing in the title in a search engine then fallowed the links. It seems to be a hard find right now and didn't he sell them right out of his house. I heard the police got his books on the intent to sell fighting equipment or something like that. Well I just have the one copy an it is in pretty good shape.

[dragonknight]

look I wasn't kidding...



http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/offer-listing/0615118356/ref=dp_olp_2//002-3753019-7249603?condition=all

[440rider]

I got my auto'd copy from BS back in 96' for something around $35 or 40 also...great book and a rare find now a days from the price of some of those. I really enjoyed EF's book as well check it out for those who haven't yet.

[Scotsman]

I never figured out what was so great about that book. I would rather spend the money on Rocca's Fighting for Life, that is selling for around $100 on ebay, and is a much better book.

[thablacksheep]

I never figured out what was so great about that book. I would rather spend the money on Rocca's Fighting for Life, that is selling for around $100 on ebay, and is a much better book.
Wow, you can get F.R. book directly from him for $40

[Gamest]

I paid $30 for mine at a show here in TEXAS about 4 years ago.

[Scotsman]

Fighting for Life is out of print.

[TabDogs]

Dang Rocca's book is seling for 100 wow, I baught mine years ago for like 25 bucks..

[Bravo]

I have 3 copies of dogs of velvet and steel.
1st i paid $262
2nd i paid $178
3rd i paid $177
I too consider it a piece of history.
I paid $280,For Jack Meeks Memoirs of the pit,If you think Dogs of velvet and steel is like a piece of history then this will blow your mind.The previous owner of this book was Jimmy Lee The Midnight Cowboy.You will not find this on the net,And i am glad i paid the price i did.
Bravo

[dragonknight]

I have put my copy on ebay for $100.00 and already have a bidder at that price. I decided I need to go a head and sell it. So it is defently up for grabs now.

[Scotsman]

I have no idea why someone would pay for that book, I read it twice. Especially if you look at Stevens breeding program, what did he ever produce? Oh and he sells "cute, little, fuzzy teddy bears", those are his words, no joke.

[idgie]

Fighting for Life is out of print.

you can still order Rocca's book from Pit Bull Stuff for around $45:

http://pitbullstuff.safeshopper.com/14/cat14.htm?722

[SFK]

I agree with Scotsman. There are many better books out there. If your going to spend $200 & up for a book you should hunt down Bullyson & his Sons I & II. Now thats some quality reading. Also the Armitage book is one of the best I ever had. Velvet & Steel is'nt bad it's a lot like the Stratton books kind of remedial. Scotsman, I have never read any of the Rocca books. Do you recommend them? Say over the Crenshaw book?

[Bravo]

The above seller sold his copy for over 200 dollars.
Bravo

[Scotsman]

SFK, I would probably buy the Rocca book over the Crenshaw book. The Crenshaw book has some good stuff in it but is WAY OVER priced!
I didn't realize that Fighting for Life was still in print, thanks Idgie.

[ajz4483]

I FOUND THIS ARTICLE

A message from Bob Stevens)

This affects YOU - all of you

The federal government has passed new statutes - Section 48 of the U. S. Code. This law is cracking down on Pit Bulls and owners. On April 23, 2003, they came to our home in a pre-dawn raid with assault rifles, a search warrant and confiscated our entire inventory, order book -- everything. We have had nothing to do with dog fighting and have not been charged with dog fighting. I have been indicted on three counts of violating this Section 48 federal law, that states that it is a felony to depict dog fighting, even in a picture, across state lines. They seek to destroy our book and videos and we are at present in litigation. They seek a COURT PRECEDENT - allowing them to use this case to follow up with stronger legislation against the breed and owners. Next is making magazines, treadmills and breaking sticks illegal and invading the homes of Pit Bull owners. Are your rights, your home and our American breed worth fighting for?

My attorney said he can use as many letters about the book and the videos as he can get, they won't really be read in much detail, it is just so he can say-"Judge, I have 104 letters (for example) from pit bull owners who protest the injustice of this case against Bob Stevens' right to market his DOCUMENTARIES on pit bulls." Something like that.
Take a few minutes, please and write a letter NOW. Please address letters to:

Defense Attorney Michael Novara
Federal Public Defender’s Office
1450 Liberty Center,1001 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh, Pa.
1522-3716 (I realize that is not a valid zip code but I assume it will get delivered anyway.)

Please provide any credentials you have such as "sanctioned show judge" —or many years weight-pulling competitor, etc. Or many years breeding Pit Bulls that have been raised in quality American homes. That type of thing.
Content:
1. The Chapters in the book back up the statements that dog fighting is not promoted. The primary chapters - over 80% of the book - are the A.D.B.A. Show Dog, the A.D.B.A. competitive Weight-pulling Dog, The Schutzhund Dog, The Catch Dog — etc. These chapters educate the reader how to become INVOLVED in these activities. None of the book, or related videos, advises or in any way encourages participation in dog fighting. If you are involved in catch work, point out the dog’s work involves catching and controlling stock —NOT killing!

2. Mention any good things the book or videos have done for you and/or anyone you know. If it motivated you in any way to become involved in the healthy alternative activities (show etc.), that would be worth mentioning. If you are a member of a Pit Bull club that is active in these activities and the book has in any way helped - that type of thing would do it.

Please write NOW - they are about to go to trial. In our wildest dreams we would never have believed that our government would do this to us. We are just normal law-abiding folks. If they can do it to us they can and will do it to you. Don’t let this happen to you. Do your part to stop it now.
Please be concise, they do not want long letters. Remember - you are writing, not just to save the book Dogs of Velvet and Steel - you are fighting to save the future of the breed as this case is just a stepping stone for them. Let’s make them stumble - NOW!

Thanks again, yours in Pits, Bob Stevens
**********************
Write a letter for Bob, please. It doesn't have to be fancy, well written or long, just supportive. Bob is in a lot of trouble--looking at a possible 15 years.
We are all in trouble if this nonsense is allowed to continue and to snowball.

If you really have any bulldog in you and you really care about the breed and the sport it is time to step up or shut up and quit whining about all the "unfair laws". Or you can hide in the bushes and wait for them to pick us off one at a time for any "violation" or "crime" they dream up. (Ed.)

[ajz4483]

I NEVER SAW THE BOOK. IS IT REALLY GOOD?

[Bravo]

I NEVER SAW THE BOOK. IS IT REALLY GOOD?It will cost you over $200 to find out l.o.l
Bravo

[tommy3]

I FOUND THIS ARTICLE

A message from Bob Stevens)
Does anyone know what happened in that trial?

[idgie]

yah, he lost. there's a lot of info on this site if you search his name. like http://www.game-dog.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3719

his sentence ended up being 37 months.

[searkkennels]

i have one in mint condition signed by him if anyone is interested in purchasing it

[Scotsman]

ajzz483,the book is blown out of proportion. For roughly the price of Dogs of Velvet you can buy 4 other way better books;http://www.online-aadr.com/braveyfm.htm (these four), The Complete Gamedog, Fighting for Life any of these are better than Dogs of Velvet and Steel.

[misterdogman]

ajzz483,the book is blown out of proportion. For roughly the price of Dogs of Velvet you can buy 4 other way better books;http://www.online-aadr.com/braveyfm.htm (these four), The Complete Gamedog, Fighting for Life any of these are better than Dogs of Velvet and Steel.yeah, I never said it was good either, I agree, its just a book, many better reads out there...but that didnt stop me from selling 2 of my 3 copies right after this thread was posted, lol, >>>zoom ...gone... out the door 200$ a piece wish I had 10 more copies...lmao...

[searkkennels]

yea i got 4 signed by him. in mint condition. i will let 1 or 2 go for 200 a pop. if any one is interested. i personally like the book though. it does have alot of good info. also it is a great add to anyones collection

[Scotsman]

I have a signed copy of the Bible if someone wants to make an offer.

[Scotsman]

Hell if I had any copies of Dog of Velvet and Steel I'd sell 'em all..LOL. Actually if I was going to pay a lot for a book on APBT's I'd buy and original copy of the Colby book from the 1930's.

[dragonknight]

Why hate on the book??? Yah people are willing to pay a high price for it and not just for what is in it. It is now a part of bulldog history.

Oh, I have another book called Dogs of War. I has lots of information on where the dogs came from and their ancestors even has parts in it about dog fighting and baiting dogs. It also talks about Rat Terriers and their bloody sport. (HHMMMM should people own a true Rat Terrier...Iguess since they are so small who cares right) This book was not found in the dog section of a book store but in the history section. Why is this book ok to distribute but Bob's book not....?????

[GaDog]

If ya wanna read an excellent book on the history of the breed up to present day if ya can find it get Cahill's "Tooth and Nail". It in my opinion does not get any better.

[dragonknight]

I'll look for it