Verdun (1933, signed first edition)

This copy signed by Jacques Pericard to Verdun veteran Alfred Lucien Salabelle of the 74th R.I. who helped with the writing of the book

Author

Publisher

Printing Details

First French edition. Large hardback, bound in blue cloth with a blindstamped and gilt design showing cannons and the Douaumont Ossuary. 32 × 25cm, 534pp + large fold-out map to rear. French text.

This copy has a specially printed dedication page signed by Jacques Pericard to a veteran of Verdun who assisted in the writing of this book. The inscription (in French and here translated) reads "To Alfred Lucien Salabelle, 74th R.I. (Regiment of Infantry), who, after having valiantly fought at Verdun, was find enough to help me write this history. [Signed] Jacques Pericard" and then with a further handwritten message that states Salabelle was at the left wing of the attack at Douaumont in May 1916". He is in the index and his piece appears on page 303. The Battle at Douaumont in May 1916 (a French counteroffensive to retake from the Germans) was a brutal and bitter battle with hand-to-hand fighting. The 74th Regiment were attacking Fort Douaumont with the 129th. The latter reached the fort but the 74th were pinned down by a deluge of fire near a concrete structure called "The Depot" and suffered heavy casualties, before being repulsed or captured.

Full title: Verdun, Histoire des Combats Qui se sont Livres de 1914 a 1918 sur les Deux Rives de la Meuse

Jacques Pericard was a French veteran of World War I who became a well-known writer, who served at Verdun. This history is well know for the reliance of the testimony of those who fought. Profusely illustrated with photographs and maps, this book covers the story of Verdun throughout the whole war but the main body concentrates on 1916 and the fierce battle that raged there.

Condition

A good copy of this scarce personalised edition. The front cover has mottled faded to the bottom half and rubbing to the joints and corners. There is light foxing to the signed presentation page and title page, and light tanning throughout. The fold out map is in good condition, but with one small tear where bound in and a little spotted foxing. The book remains in strong readable condition.

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