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Author: Mauldin, Bill
Title: Mud, Mules, and Mountains: Cartoons of the A.E.F. In Italy - inscribed and by cartoonist Reg Manning, with signed letters by Mauldin and Manning.
Place Published: [Italy]
Publisher:Privately printed
Date Published: 1944
Description:
[37 pp.] Introduction by Ernie Pyle. Illustrated throughout with cartoons by Mauldin. (8vo) original illustrated wrappers. First Edition.
Collection of Mauldin's cartoons from Stars & Stripes during the Italian Campaign. Scarce first Edition. Inscribed in green pen on the first blank page by cartoonist Reg Manning, along with his a drawing of signature anthropomorphic cactus, to Mauldin's son, Andy: "To Andy Mauldin: This book, by all that's right, should belong to you, so I'm very happy to give it to you. Don't let your dad get hold of it, or he'll lose it for sure. He just doesn't value his own work highly enough to hang onto it. But this book by your father was one of the true classic of our century. Pass it along to your own son, some day. 9-12-51 - your dad's friend, Reg Manning." "Property of Reg. Manning," in same pen, is written on the title page, along with a drawing. Also included is a full page handwritten letter by Manning, on his stationary, to Bill Mauldin, signed, with not one, but two cactus drawings. Also included is a short typed letter from Mauldin to a wounded soldier in response to an autograph request, signed in pen with a sketch of a bearded G.I., a newspaper photograph of Mauldin affixed to lower left. Includes certificates of authenticity.

Wear and soiling to wrapper with small tear at staple; dampstain to top of page throughout, smearing the introdictory line of inscription, one leaf detached at middle, toning and foxing to pages; Manning letter folded at middle with some toning and foxing, Mauldin letter with original folds, some toning; very good.