SOOCHOW THE MARINE

Good+/Good+. (London: Putnam & Company, Ltd, 1951). First Edition. Blue cloth-covered boards (was also issued with brown boards). Gilt title, still fairly bright, runs lengthwise alone spine (on the brown-board version, it ran crosswise). Publisher's information on title & half-title pages identical in both versions, so it is uncertain whether the brown-board or blue-board version came first. Both versions carry identical publisher's information: "London: Putnam & Co., Ltd. / 42 Great Russell Street" at the bottom of the title page, while at the top of the reverse title page: "First published 1951", and at the bottom of the reverse title-page: "Printed by Indicator Press, Redditch, Worsc."

Some sun-discoloration to boards at top & bottom edges. Otherwise no appreciable edge-wear. Corners only very slightly turned-in. The most serious flaw to the book is that the FRONT FLYLEAF (blank on both sides) HAS BEEN EXCISED, leaving about a half-inch strip (see second photo). Book otherwise sound & clean. Jacket darkened on spine, with some chipping at head & tail of spine (see 1st photo). Jacket is rather clumsily price-clipped (square cut) on front inside flap (see 2nd photo). Jacket in mylar protector.

"Soochow the Marine is the true history of a famous dog. Soochow went through the war with Japan not as a Police dog nor as a regimental mascot but as a properly enlisted member of the Fourth Regiment of the United States Marine Corps. He joined up in Shanghai where he got his boot-training and learned to wear his uniform with swagger and ease. He was exemplary on parade, but there were rollicking days with liquor plentiful and bad habits contagious, and Soochow got to know the inside of the guardhouse and even lost his stripes. Then came Pearl Harbor and there was no more dereliction for Soochow or his brother Marines. His special buddy was Paul Lees who collaborates in this narrative. Topgether they were posted to the Philippines and we learn at first hand how the Marines went through the Bataan campaign and finally retreated to Corregidor where they put up their legendary last defence. Next came the Manila prison-camp and what men and dog went through is told with a simplicity that spares none of the horror. Soochow played his modest part and contributed to the spirit that sustained the men. They in turn sacrificed what they could out of their own miserable rations and kept him alive -- but only just. When at last victory brought release, Soochow was the first American prisoner of war to be repatriated. He was flown to Santiago California, in a special aeroplane and nursed back to health."

Long OUT OF PRINT. A scarce book, particularly with dust jacket. Rarely found in the U.S. This copy came from England.