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 I began in August 1914. In December 1915 (111 years ago), Queen Mary of
THE QUEEN’S GIFT BOOK, published by Hodder and Stoughton, was priced at two shillings sixpence (about $10 USD in 1915, over $200 USD today); profits from its sales 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 book is in acceptable condition. Its main problem is that the spine and the covers, which seem fine-looking from the outside, have come loose (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.
Questions? Please e-mail before bidding. Winner will pay for USPS Priority Mail shipping (because of its fragility). I gladly combine shipping for multiple purchases.