True to the Old Flag by G.A. Henty (ca1907 HC no DJ)
• Author: George Alfred Henty (1832–1902)
• Illustrator: Gordon Browne
• Publisher: Blackie & Son San Francisco, CA U.S.A. ca1907
True to the Old Flag: A Tale of the American War of Independence by G. A. Henty.
For a proud Englishman and believer in the British Empire, the American Revolutionary war was not described as accurately as it should. Just as in the United States loss in the Vietnam War, the valor, endurance, and skill of the unsuccessful side should not be disparaged. Taken from the journals of British officers, Henty reconstructs events in the American Revolutionary War through British eyes. 390 + 16pp ads.
George Alfred Henty (1832–1902) was a prolific English novelist and war correspondent. He is best known for his historical adventure stories that were popular in the late 19th century.
This title was published in 1885, but there were no indications this copy was printed that early. Because of the date in the front written by prior owner and the quality of the cover, I estimate early 20th century, likely around 1907.
Hardcover has blue cloth boards with gold & red illustrations, gold lettering front and spine, but no DJ. Gold page-edges tinted green by prior owner. All but one corner square and not worn through, but top rear corner rounded as if filed. Interior appears complete, but some illustrations have been pulled out and laid in. Front paste-down has POS & dated Christmas Eve, 1909. Ffep has been torn out. Text unmarked but postage stamp glued to rfep.
• Size: 12mo - over 6¾ - 7¾" tall, 406pp..
• Condition: Acceptable Hardcover, no Jacket – Always privately owned.
No copyright, publication nor printing dates. 1907 printing assumed from date in front of book. Likely a legitimate reprint after Henty's death, since Blackie & Son was Henty's preferred publisher. No ISBN or LCCN. MSR = UK 6s.
Notes on Condition/Edition ratings:
Fine – means like new, but any book produced over 10 years ago isn't “brand new” or even “new.” Booksellers needed some word to describe this...
Like New – A new book, no marks no damage (except maybe remainder marks or shelf-wear) except not obtained directly from the publisher or in packaging from the publisher.
Good – How someone else might take care of a book. Also referred to as “standard.” This is the most likely condition for books of this age & title, shows the book has been read or previously owned.
Acceptable – How a young child, student or a librarian might take care of a book. (Either trying to make sure someone doesn't steal it by plastering ownership everywhere, filled it with copious notes or a book that has been damaged.)
Poor – Combination of “acceptable” factors above. Most likely with water damage as well. Might have
missing pages (you should ask).
Near – Means “almost” in an optimistic sense. e.g., “Near Fine” means very good, but on the high end.
1st Thus – Unique somehow, maybe 1st paperback, new illustrator, misprint or even the 1st edition. A collector might desire this copy.