A good, functional copy of the first edition. As is common, the first, free endpaper is creased and suffers from some loss. It has been repaired with archival tape (see pic). The exterior covers and hinges are intact but shelf worn and sun faded. The lower, outside corners are bumped and frayed. There has been some water damage coming from the top of the textblock, but this is fairly modest and fades entirely by about page 160 (see title page, Australia, Finland pix).The textblock is minimally toned and seems to be unmarked. The interior hinges and a signature have been neatly repaired with archival tape, as have a couple of tears. Both lanyards and one bookmark remain. There is some foxing to the textblock edges.   #140.  Click on "Warship Observer" above for 100+ listings of JFS, including other 1939 editions.