Caleb Pettengill, U.S.N.
New York: Julian Messner, [1956]. Hardcover. 8vo. Pale blue paper over boards with dark blue spine lettering. 284pp. Map endpapers. Very good. Faint binding edgewear; lacks jacket. Item #45110
A tight, nice first edition of this nautical fiction set during the Civil War -- with choice autograph addition: Tipped facing the title page is a Typed Letter Signed from Eliot, 7¼" X 10½", New York, NY, 15 April 1957. Addressed to noted Lincoln/Civil War scholar Arnold F. Gates (1914-93). Very good. Original folds. On his imprinted letterhead, Eliot thanks this office of the New York Civil War Round Table and noted book reviewer "for the excellent review given CALEB PETTENGILL, USN in the March 1957 edition of 'The Round Table'. I am most appreciative. Would you be kind enough to send me three additional copies of this number?" Signed large and bold in blue ballpoint. Eliot (1893-1971) was a military officer who penned quite a few books of military history, both fictional nonfictional.
Price: $55.00