PIPE DREAMS and MEMORIES, an autobiography (inscribed & signed)

Wiles, Ralph Wm. (William)

Published by William-Frederick Press, New York, 1953

About this Item

A retired U.S. Army major (born in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, in 1882) tells his story, one that is "a special combination of hereditary influences and the seeming manifestations of psychic phenomena," a "provocative theme [that] runs through gripping tale after tale of fighting against the fierce, proud Moros of Mindanao; the long, arduous service on the Western Plains; the lonely confinement of stations throughout the states and in other lands; the unique character of Army life, and the brief ventures into varied civil occupations." Part of the author's story took place in Atlantic Canada (New Brunswick -- mainly St. Stephen -- and Nova Scotia). Wiles has written, on the second end paper, the following inscription: "To my friend,/Donald Inches,/With best wishes./Ralph W. Wiles", which is a nice little inscription in and of itself, but which takes on greater meaning when considering the dedication: "PRESUMPTUOUSLY DEDICATED to myself, by suggestion and in honor of JAMES A. and HELEN LOUISE INCHES and their family -- son DONALD and daughter DORIS; all if whom were my friendly and helpful neighbors (sic) during my residence in my mansion in St. Stephen, New Brunswick." Additionally, a poem attributed to one H.L.I. (presumed to be the aforementioned Helen Louise Inches) extolling the virtues of an unnamed "Major" is printed on the verso of second end paper. Flaxen cloth w/gilt lettering to front cover/spine, 312 pages, illustrated. Gently bumped/mildly worn corners/spine ends, tanned/lightly smudged edges, in edgeworn dust jacket w/chipping to corners/spine ends, sun-darkened spine, edge tears. Jacket now in protective mylar sleeve, which spruces up the thing rather nicely. Uncommon signed/inscribed, and certainly not easily found with another inscription so closely associated with people involved in the author's life. Size: 8vo - over 7¾ - 9¾" tall.

Seller Inventory # 019244

Bibliographic Details

• Title: PIPE DREAMS and MEMORIES, an autobiography (inscribed & signed)
• Publisher: William-Frederick Press, New York
• Publication Date: 1953
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Adri Ames (dust jacket illustration)
• Edition: 1st Edition.
• Condition: Very Good
• Dust Jacket Condition: Good
• Signed: Inscribed & Signed by Author
• Book Type: Book
• Seller catalogs:
  • Auto/Biography
  • Signed (all categories)
  • Military