Description
Inscribed first edition of My Experiences In The World War by General John J. Pershing. Octavo, two volumes, [xvi], 400pp (Vol.1), [xii], 436pp (Vol.2). Publishers blue cloth, title in gilt on spine and replica signature in gilt on front covers, light wear to cloth of both volumes. Top edge gilt. Clean pages, uncut. Stated “First Edition, Printed March 10, 1931” on copyright page. Frontispiece portrait with tissue cover. In publishers dust jackets, near fine, light wear along top edge $10.00 on front flap, with bright illustrations and stated “first edition” on the dust jacket. Lacking slipcase. Inscribed by General John J. Pershing to Colonel John O’Neill, the chief stevedore at Brest, France. Inscription reads: “For Col. John O’Neill, Recalling his especially efficient services during The World War, John J. Pershing. New York. Nov. 24, 32.” An excellent association copy.
Comments: In “My Experiences,” Pershing comments about his first encounter with Major John O’Neill, who explained how 42,000 troops had been disembarked efficiently at the Port of Brest. Pershing was so impressed, noting “O’Neill, you’re just the man that I have been looking for, and I am going to send you to every port we use to show them your secret.” Up until that point, Pershing had noted that the stevedore situation was distressing at the French ports he had visited, slowing the preparation for United States action in World War I.
