Description
Men and Decisions by Secretary Lewis L. Strauss, inscribed to American actor and decorated naval officer, Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.
Octavo, viii, [4], 468pp. Gray cloth, title stamped in gilt and black on spine. Lacking the first edition statement on copyright page. Light dust along top edge of text block, internally clean. Bookplate of Douglas Fairbanks Jr. on the front endpaper. In the publisher’s dust jacket, $6.95 on front flap, light shelf wear, chip at top of spine, a very good example.
Inscribed on the front free endpaper: “For Douglas Fairbanks Jr., gifted artist – intrepid warrior – steadfast friend – from his “ship-mate” and admirer, who penned these pages – Lewis L. Strauss / Brandy Station Virginia / IV – 25- ’63.”
Strauss met Lt. Commander Fairbanks while serving in the Office of the Undersecretary of the Navy, where Fairbanks “was a show-stopper, or more properly, a work-stopper.” (Men and Decisions, p. 151) The young ladies in the office made a point of visiting his office and delivering correspondences in person, slowing communication around the office. Fairbanks requested a change to active sea duty, and was dispatched to train Commandos for the upcoming African campaign. Lewis and Fairbanks remained friends as their careers took them in different directions.
