Love at First Flight by Charles Spalding and Otis Carney (First Edition), 1943 ✈️📚😂

1. Introduction 📜🔍 

Love at First Flight, a humorous and satirical novel of World War II military life. Published in 1943, this book is a primary historical document that captures the spirit of the American home front during the war. As a well-preserved first edition with its original illustrator, this volume is a premier acquisition for any serious collector of Americana, World War II history, or illustrated books.

2. About the Artwork/Book/Object 📖✍️✨

Love at First Flight is a work of satire that chronicles the misadventures of a young naval air cadet during his training in World War II. The narrative is a witty and humorous take on the challenges of military life, from mastering the complexities of a plane to navigating the social dynamics of the training base. The book is enhanced by a number of illustrations by Carl Rose, a famous cartoonist for The New Yorker, which add a layer of visual wit to the text. The book is an invaluable resource for understanding the American psyche during the war and the role of humor in coping with hardship.

3. About the Artist/Author/Maker 🏛️✍️✨

The book was a collaboration between two writers, Charles Spalding(1918-1999) and Otis Carney (1922-2006). Spalding was a Yale graduate and a close friend of President John F. Kennedy. He had a varied career as a television writer, investment banker, and political advisor. Carney, a Marine Corps pilot in the war, went on to become a successful journalist and novelist. Their collaboration produced a unique and authentic account of military life that was both personal and universal. The illustrator, Carl Rose, was a famous cartoonist for The New Yorker and his work is an integral part of the book's charm.

4. Historical/Political Era Context 🌍🕰️📜

Published in 1943, this book is a "time capsule" of the American home front during World War II. The book's narrative, with its focus on the training of a pilot, was a reflection of a national effort to mobilize for war. The book's humorous tone provided a much-needed escape from the grim realities of the conflict. It reflects a cultural moment where the nation was united in a common cause, and a sense of shared sacrifice and camaraderie was highly valued.

5. The Ideal Collector 💡🧐🏛️

This book is for a curator of World War II history, a scholar of satire, or a private collector of illustrated books. It is an ideal acquisition for an individual who values a book for its historical significance and its status as a document of a specific cultural moment. The book appeals to a collector who is interested in the intersection of American humor, military history, and the power of storytelling.

6. Value & Rarity 💎✨🏛️

As a first edition of a popular work, this book is a collectible item. While not an exceptionally rare book, a well-preserved first printing in this condition is more scarce than a mass-produced later edition. The value is a direct reflection of the book's historical significance, its physical integrity, and the quality of its illustrations. The price reflects its status as a sound, collectible copy of a key work of Americana.

7. Condition 🔎📚✨

This volume is in good vintage condition. The hardcover is in a solid state, with a secure binding and clean pages. The hardcover itself shows some discoloration and scuffs, but the pages are free from any major stains or tears. The overall condition is an honest and transparent portrayal of a well-cared-for volume that was likely a cherished part of a home library.

8. Translation of Inscriptions/Ephemera (Conditional) ✍️📜🔤

This book's unique provenance is documented by a personal inscription on the inside cover that reads:

"HELEN LEE SMITH 2-30-44"

This inscription provides a direct, physical link to the book's past, documenting its journey as a well-loved volume from the library of a previous owner.

9. Fun Facts & Unique Features 🤓📜🤩

• Charles Spalding was a close friend of President John F. Kennedy, and he served as an usher at Kennedy's wedding.

• The book was a bestseller in 1943, a testament to the public's appetite for humorous, patriotic stories during the war.

• The book's publication was a collaborative effort between two publishers, Literary Classics, Inc. and Houghton Mifflin Company, which was a common practice for best-selling books of the era.

10. Supporting Information 🏷️📦💰

• Title: Love at First Flight

• Author/Maker: Charles Spalding and Otis Carney

• Year: 1943

• Publisher/Foundry: Literary Classics, Inc. / Houghton Mifflin Company

• Place of Origin: New York, Boston, USA

• Format/Binding: Hardcover

• Edition: First Edition

• Rarity: Unique (due to provenance)