To give the maimed back the best equivalent for
what they have lost, the best mechanical substitutes for shattered limbs, and
such openings in life as shall suit their altered outlook, keep hope and
self-respect in them, keep them eager and full-lived men in that far future
when the drums and fifes have long been still, and their very echo is but a
ghost of unreal sound – to do all this, in so far as it can be done, is the
problem and the task before Queen Mary’s Convalescent Auxiliary Hospitals.
(From the Foreward by John Galsworthy)
This interesting
book was a fund-raiser! World War One
began in August 1914. In December 1915,
suggested by Queen Mary of
It was priced at two shillings sixpence (about $10 USD in 1915,
over $200 USD today); profits from the sales of the book went to Queen Mary’s
Convalescent Auxiliary Hospitals for Soldiers and Sailors who have Lost Their
Limbs in the War. I’m guessing that
translates to rehab hospitals today.
The book isn’t a somber one, although it has a serious
purpose. It’s an anthology, with
contributions from some of the most renowned British writers and artists of the
day, including James M. Barrie, Joseph Conrad, Arthur Conan Doyle, Arthur
Rackham, and W. Heath Robinson. There’s
a spirited forward by John Galsworthy.
This particular 105-year-old book needs help, but it could be a
lot worse. Its main problem is that the
spine and the covers, which seem fine-looking from the outside, have come loose
from the book (see photo). I imagine it
could be repaired, though I don’t know how.
Inside, the text is clean and sturdy, and the illustrations (plates) are
wonderful! The paper is somewhat fragile,
but you would be, too, if you were that old.
I’d say it’s in acceptable shape for its age, and worthy of your rare
book collection.
Questions? Please e-mail before bidding. Winner will pay for USPS Priority Mail shipping (because it comes with insurance). I gladly combine shipping for multiple purchases.