The Silver Crescent; The Golden Carpet

Description

The Silver Crescent; The Golden Carpet
Somerset De Chair
Published by The Golden Cockerel Press, 1943

Published by The Golden Cockerel Press, 1943. Two Volumes. First editions, each in a signed edition limited to 300 copies of which 30 were in full leather binding. These copies are Nos. 27 and 26 respectively. 2 volumes, quarto. Full green and full blue morocco by Sangorski & Sutcliffe, titles gilt to spines, gilt edge-roll, single fillet gilt to the turn-ins, top edges gilt, the others uncut. Each in the white linen slipcase as issued. Photogravure portrait frontispiece to each and numerous similar illustrations to the text and full-page maps to the endpapers. Both copies signed by Somerset De Chair. No further markings on either volume. De Chair was Intelligence Officer with “Kingcol”, a Flying Column of less than 1,500 men under the Command of Brig.-Gen. Kingstone. This tiny force was sent from Palestine to Baghdad to deal with the effects of the “Golden Square” coup amongst pro-Nazi Iraqi military officers. Despite the air support extended to the Iraqis by the German and Italian air forces, the operation was a complete success, Baghdad falling on 30 May 1941; the books cover this and subsequent operations in Syria. The books were reviewed in the Spectator on the issue of the composite trade edition in 1944 as “a fascinating and well-told story in the tradition of T. E. Lawrence, and one worthy to take its place in the history of British soldiers’ heroic campaigns in the Near East”. Rare Collector’s Items. Beautiful First Editions. Seller Inventory # 61

Title: The Silver Crescent; The Golden Carpet
Publisher: The Golden Cockerel Press,
Publication Date: 1943
Binding: Hardcover
Book Condition: Fine
Signed: Signed by Author(s)
Edition: 1st Edition