Destiny and Glory

New York: Coward-McCann, Inc, 1957. Hardcover. 8vo. Blue and black cloth with gilt spine lettering, pictorial dust jacket. 320pp. Illustrations, map endpapers. Fine/very good. First edition -- tight, handsome -- of (to cite front jacket panel) "The incredible story of a forgotten chapter in American history -- the reckless men and bold adventurers who made hostile expeditions to the Caribbean, Central and South America between the Mexican and Civil Wars." Ownership signature on front pastedown of noted Lincoln/Civil War scholar Arnold F. Gates (1914-93). This lovely copy bears two choice autograph additions: Tipped in facing the title page is a unique frontispiece: an Autograph Note Signed from Wallace, 1p, 7" X 7", Eagle Pass, TX, 11 January 1957. Near fine. At the bottom of a Civil War Round Table membership dues statement, Wallace tells this Round Table officer "I obviously can not attend any meetings from here, I think it would be best for me to resign -- with regrets -- from the Round Table." Handsomely penned in blue ballpoint. Tipped in before the half-title page is a Typed Note Signed from publisher Cass Canfield, 1p, 5¼" X 8¼", New York, NY, 19 December 1956. On Coward-McCann letterhead, Canfield tells Gates that "At the author's request I take great pleasure in sending you an advance copy of DESTINY AND GLORY.... I hope you like the book." Boldly signed in full in blue ink. Canfield (1897-1986) was the influential editor with Harper & Row (1929-86) given his own imprint ; he also authored biographies of Jefferson Davis and Pierpont Morgan.