(s.l.): (S.n.), (1945). First Edition. Black and white cartoons throughout. Softcover. Oblong octavo. [84 pages].

Scarce wartime publication of 150 cartoons which had appeared in the base newspaper of APO 980 on the Aleutian Island of Adak. The three cartoonists each selected 50 of their own drawings for inclusion here.

The Introduction is by Dashiell Hammett. Hammett had served in the signal corps in World War I, reenlisted for World War II, and the Army finally agreed to post the 48 year old writer to the Aleutian Islands as a corporal. Hammett founded and began to edit the base newspaper upon his arrival.

Hammett promptly brough two African Americans onto his staff of 9 at the newspaper--Alva Morris, a printer and Don Miller, an artist and one of the three cartoonists featured in this booklet. This move by Hammett was historic, making his small newspaper unit the only integrated unit in World War II.

This scarce gathering of cartoons provides a valuable perspective on how soldiers in the remote Aleutian Islands viewed themselves and their life in that environment.

A very uncommon survivor from a neglected theatre in World War II, featuring the work of an African American cartoonist integrated into the newspaper staff of Dashiell Hammett. It is also one of the more uncommon of Hammett's print appearances.

This booklet was reprinted in 1980. OCLC locates no physical copies of this original 1945 edition.

Ref. LAYMAN B9.

Near fine. Orange paper covers printed in black, saddle-stapled binding. Slight rubs along spine, a few minor cover creases, else fine.

Item #1662

Sold