The Century Co., New York & London, 1932. Hardcover. Stated First Edition. Stated First Edition. There aren't many of this title around. Once listed, this will be the Only signed. The book is signed and inscribed on the half-title page ('For Ed and Ruth Stevens, remembering a certain fortunate Sunday in June 1965, LeRoy MacLeod'). There is also a letter enclosed from a John F. Winters with The Century Co. letterhead stating that 'We are publishing The Years Of Peace on August 29. I am sending you an advanced copy of this book because I have a high regard for your opinion, if you will kindly let me know what you think'.

From a review by the Bookman (a literary journal established in 1895 by Dodd, Mead and Company) published in 1932: 'Tyler Peck of Kentucky quarrelled with his mother and, to spite her, took a few drinks

and proposed to Evaline Weller, the proud and conscience-stricken daughter of a drunkard.

Although Tyler did not love Evaline, he married her because he could not break his word, and with her he began to farm in the Wabash Valley near the large farms of his Uncle Lafe. That was in 1865 and Tyler

Peck's heart was bitter with resentment because his three brothers had gone to war and

he had been forced to stay behind. From 1865 to 1875 he farmed hard and well, begat

six children, matched the guile and fire of his secret being against the bitter stubbornness

of his wife, periodically was unfaithful to her with a neighbour's wife, and in all the plentitude of his existence was still haunted by the desire for adventure, for irresponsibility, and for higher pursuits.....

The style is clean, unaffected, and concise, and as each simple farm incident adds its measure to the lines of the characters' lives one's interest in the pattern of the whole increases'.