Our Boys Over There & Over Here
Chicago: Joseph T. Ryerson & Son, circa 1918. Small slim quarto, original brown cloth with gilt lettering, 70 pp., illustrated throughout with black and white photographs and drawings. Cloth rubbed, internally excellent. A scare and attractive First War memorial volume published by the Chicago Steelmakers Ryerson and Son.
The book celebrates the achievements and sacrifice of company steelworkers who enlisted in the United States Army and marines during the First World War, including the 122 and 128 Field Artillery. It primarily comprises letters from the soldiers sent home, and also includes images of staff in drill formation prior to enlisting. A full service roll is included, naming all the men then serving in Europe.
The book was prepared by the company shortly after Armistice was declared in November 1918. It includes a moving foreword by President Woodrow Wilson, who states 'it is a fearful thing to lead this great peaceful people into war'.
Our Boys Over There & Over Here is a rare book. Aside from being unrecorded in the usual First War bibliographies, we have been unable to locate any record of the book ever being offered for sale in both Europe and the United States. Even institutional holdings are slim, with only two copies evident. The first is held by the Minnesota Historical Society, and the second known copy is in the Chicago History Museum. Item #2813
Price (AUD): $850.00