The Blue Devils in Italy: A History of the 88th Infantry Division in World War II

Washington, DC: Infantry Journal Press, 1947. Hardcover. Small 4to. Khaki green cloth with black and blue lettering and black and blue pictorial front board stamping. xxii, 359pp, (1p). Frontispiece, numerous illustrations, maps, pictorial endpapers. Very good. Mild foxing to preliminary leaves. Tight, most attractive first edition of this divisional history of the famed group that distinguished itself in Italy. Tipped to inner flyleaf is a Typed Letter Signed from Delaney, 1p, 8¼" X 11", Washington, DC, 16 December 1946. Addressed to "Sir." Very good. Two original mailing folds. On "Infantry Journal" letterhead of the U.S. Infantry Association, Delaney writes: "Thank you very much for your interest in the preparation of the 88th Division history. It is a difficult task to gather material and I am grateful for the help you have furnished me. I am returning your photographs. Work on the book is going along well and we have scheduled it for publication and distribution in the Spring of 1947." Signed boldly in black ink. Recipient is likely the 88th Infantry Division member whose name is stamped within a small blue area reserved for that purpose near bottom of front board: Edward J. Ledwith. Laid in loose (in archival sleeve) are a 6" X 8¼" advertising leaflet for this book (reproducing book's front board) and a 7½" X 6" printed order form for the book. Both very good, faintly age toned. Choice copy of this very scarce regimental history, especially with author letter to contributor and ephemeral items.