The Hogan Mystique. Classic Photographs of the Great Ben Hogan by Jules Alexander.

American Golfer, 1994. First edition. Texts by Dave Anderson, Ben Crenshaw, Dan Jenkins, and Ken Venturi.  132 pages.  Photographs in black and white of Ben Hogan, “The Hawk,” one of the greatest professional golfers with expert commentary regarding his golf swing, career, and character. The photographer, Jules Alexander, took these photos between 1957 and 1971 at golf tournaments.  Oversized hardcover, 11 x 14 inches, with dust jacket, fine with near fine dust jacket with slight shelf wear.  Issued at $50.  Uncommonly found in this excellent condition.  Summary: 

The Hogan Mystique: Classic Photographs of the Great Ben Hogan by Jules Alexander (edited and published with contributions by Martin Davis, Dave Anderson, Dan Jenkins, Ken Venturi, and Ben Crenshaw) is a coffee-table stylephotographic tribute to one of golf’s most legendary figures, Ben Hogan. The book combines striking black-and-white images with insightful written commentary to celebrate Hogan’s skill, character, and enduring mythos in the sport.

At its core, the book showcases Jules Alexander’s photographs of Hogan—most of them taken during the 1959 U.S. Open at Winged Foot, when Alexander followed Hogan through a practice round and the tournament, capturing the golfer in motion, contemplation, and quiet intensity. These images go beyond typical sports shots to convey Hogan’s presence, precision, and the beauty of his mechanics.

Accompanying the images are essays by noted writers including Dave Anderson, Ben Crenshaw, and Dan Jenkins, as well as commentary and captions by Ken Venturi. These contributions provide context on Hogan’s career, his legendary swing, and his complex personality—showing both the technical mastery that made him a model for golfers and the human qualities that made him an enigmatic figure.

The book functions not just as a visual record but as a narrative celebration of Hogan’s career and legacy. It highlights his determination, his disciplined approach to the game, and the “mystique” that grew around him as a golfer of almost mythic precision and drive—traits still admired by golf enthusiasts.

Overall, The Hogan Mystique is a tribute to Hogan’s greatness: part artistic photo collection, part sports history, and part homage to a man whose influence continues to be felt in golf.