World War I: A Diary

Baltimore, MD: Privately Printed by Robert G. Merrick, 1982. First Edition, First Printing (no additional printings stated). Original dark green publisher's cloth hardcover with gold gilt lettering and rules on the front board and spine (issued without dust jacket). Illustrated with a black-and-white photographic frontispiece portrait of the author in uniform. Dedicated "To all who served their country in World War I, especially those of the Third Division, A.E.F." A scarce, privately printed primary-source WWI diary kept by Captain Robert Garrett Merrick Sr. (1895–1986) during his frontline service with the 10th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division ("Rock of the Marne"), where he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for heroism during the Second Battle of the Marne. Very Good condition. Binding is square, tight, and structurally sound with sharp corners, firm hinges, and bright, completely intact gold gilt stamping on the front cover and spine. Green cloth shows only a faint diagonal surface hairline on the front board and minimal shelf rubbing at the spine ends. Scattered light tan foxing spots are present across the top, fore, and bottom page-block edges, along with a faint vertical binder's adhesive line near the upper fore-edge margin of the front pastedown. Interior leaves and endpapers are crisp, bright, and completely unmarked—free of ownership inscriptions, underlining, or ex-library markings. Shipping: Your item will be securely packaged and shipped promptly with tracking.…