A Book of War Letters (1943)

"This War Was Forced Upon Us and Now That We Are In It, We Must All Do Our Utmost to Bring It to a Victorious End"

Maule, Harry E., editor. A Book of War Letters. New York: Random House, 1943.

Octavo. Hardcover. 1st Edition, 1st Printing.

First edition, first printing, of this collection of letters by American men and women serving all over the globe during the first years of America's entrance into World War II. This rare collection of mostly unpublished war letters was compiled both by submission and from letters originally sent to The Woman's Home Companion. The editor, Harry Maule, has included letters written by women and men serving in Africa, Asia, England, and the training camps during the first two years of America's time in World War II. Included are letters about basic training, flight and parachuting experiences, special engagements such as a dinner with Queen Mary, and even a sequence of letters from a young man killed overseas. The editor makes the suggestion that those on the homefront disappointed by the lack of letters, should start with the sections where their loved ones are serving to get a sense of their experiences.   Bookplate. Book near-fine, with only occasional marginal foxing to interior and light foxing and toning to spine. Dust jacket extremely good, with a few shallow chips to edges, a bit of toning, and faint dampstain to spine. A desirable copy.