This is a truly exceptional find: a first edition of Rag-Tag and Bobtail by acclaimed Marine Corps historian Lynn Montross, complete with its original dust jacket. Published in 1952, this book is a rare, historically significant volume that offers a tangible connection to the American Revolution and its chronicler. This specific copy is a premier acquisition for any serious collector of American history or military literature.
2. About the Artwork/Book/Object πβοΈβ¨
Rag-Tag and Bobtail is a meticulous and engaging history of the Continental Army's winter encampment at Valley Forge, a pivotal and brutal period in the American Revolutionary War. Montross's narrative goes beyond a simple chronological account, delving into the daily life, training, and hardships faced by General George Washington's soldiers. The book is distinguished by its detailed battle maps, which provide a visual and tactical understanding of the military maneuvers. This volume is an invaluable resource for understanding the true grit and resilience of the American forces during their darkest hour.
3. About the Artist/Author/Maker π«π·βοΈποΈ
Lynn Montross (1895β1968) was a decorated Marine Corps colonel and a highly respected military historian. After a career in journalism, he served in the Marine Corps during both World War I and World War II, and was later appointed as the chief historian of the Corps. Montross was renowned for his ability to translate complex military strategies and historical events into accessible and compelling narratives. He dedicated his life to preserving and detailing the history of the armed forces, and his works are considered authoritative by both military scholars and history enthusiasts.
4. Historical/Political Era Context ππ°οΈπ
Published in the midst of the Cold War and the Korean War, this book holds a dual historical significance. It is a "time capsule" of the American Revolutionary War period, offering a detailed look at the strategic and human dimensions of Valley Forge. It also reflects the post-World War II era's renewed interest in American military history and national identity. The book's dedication to the sacrifices of the Revolutionary soldiers resonated with a contemporary audience that had just witnessed its own global conflicts.
5. The Ideal Collector π‘π§ποΈ
This book is for a curator of military history, a scholar of the American Revolution, or a private collector of Americana who understands that an item's significance is heightened by its provenance. The ideal collector is not just a reader but a steward of historical artifacts, someone who appreciates the physical connection to the author and the subject matter. This piece is a perfect fit for a library dedicated to the study of early American military campaigns.
6. Value & Rarity πβ¨ποΈ
This first edition is a valuable asset for a specialized collection. The presence of theΒ original dust jacket elevates it far beyond a standard copy. First editions of historical works by respected military historians are a distinct asset class. While the book itself is not a literary masterpiece in the same vein as Dickens or Hemingway, its value is derived from its specific historical content and the added scarcity of the first edition with its original jacket, which makes this particular volume a non-replicable piece of military history.
7. Condition ππβ¨
This volume is in good vintage condition. The hardcover binding is tight and square, and the interior pages are clean and well-kept. TheΒ original dust jacket is present and has protected the cover from major wear. It shows expected shelf wear, with some minor chipping, but is otherwise intact. The maps are in excellent condition. The honest wear is a sign of a well-loved and respected artifact.
8. Translation of Inscriptions/Ephemera (Conditional) βοΈππ€
This book does not contain a signature, personal inscription, or other unique markings. The value is derived from its well-preserved state as a first edition with its original dust jacket.
Lynn Montross was not only a historian but also a decorated Marine Corps veteran who served with distinction. His firsthand experience with military life gave his writing a level of authenticity that few others possessed.
The book's title, Rag-Tag and Bobtail, is a colloquial expression from the 18th century that refers to a group of disorganized, low-ranking peopleβa fitting description for the ill-equipped but determined Continental Army at Valley Forge.
Montross's book was published by Harper & Brothers, a distinguished publishing house with a long history of releasing important works of American literature and history.
