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Posted 13 months, 3 days ago
Savoychina1
(636 items)
I have always thought that this set of books was special. The problem wa I couldn't get anyone else to agree. Nor could I find out much information about them. Today I spoke to the MacArthur Museum in Norfolk. Of course I got the "we don't buy items" , "we don't have funds" , but "what is it you've got"? A three volume set of Prescott's Ferdinand and Isabella. The books are in bad shape, however, each one is signed by Arthur MacArthur. silence "Wow!" What is your name and number.....
It turns out the Arthur MacArthur library was destroyed by fire when he was in the Philipines. He won the Medal of Honor in the Civil War. He and his son, Douglas MacArthur were the first father/son to win the Medal of Honor.
So I was right...they are, very special books !
Are you going to 'Loan them to the Museum? you know they would care for thm much better than you can. It's a great place to visit. I have a pamphlet from when the wife and I went there in 1965, I think I'll scan it and post it on here.
Great books, with a fantastic autograph!
The dating on the one shown makes it especially collectable. It is after the birth of Douglas and in the West. Arthur had a long and storied career and was involved in the Indian fights with Geronimo in the 1880s.
Thanks for sharing.
I did two (2) postings for the MaCarthur Memorial, take a look if you've never been.......
Thanks for the info, Pops. Actually I am looking for them to purchase and if not I have contacted Bonham's.
Scottvez, thanks for the comments. All three books have the exact same inscription. The bookplates are 708, 709, and 710. I suspect that there are those that would have them rebound, but I would not.
I like his notation of "50 cents per vol(ume)"-- they should bring a little more than that today, even with the cover damage!
Scott
I have often suspected that of POPs ... the sticky finger prints on the keyboard after he has been posting were a clue. ...
Arthur MacArthur was Military Governor of the Philippines. The MacArthurs had a long history with the Philippines when Douglas MacArthur made the "I shall return" statement, that many people feel should have been "We shall return." Douglas was making a personal promise to a people with whom he had a long familial and personal relationship. Douglas had also served there fighting the Islamic Rebels at an early point in his career.
Very cool to hold something that belonged to such a famous man. You know he spent a lot of time reading those volumes with on the American Frontier.
while on ...
Got your back, Pops...it's all good !
What did I miss? Was it a Hop on Pop moment or a Green Eggs and Ham moment? I don't like green eggs and ham.
Don't worry Kevin, I'm sure you will get another chance ! Thanks Savoychina1.......
UPDATE ! In honor of a Marine friend of ours, these books have been donated to the Douglas MacArthur Museum in Norfolk, VA. They did not have any books from the Arthur MacArthur library, (most of which was lost in a fire when he was in the Phillipines).
Great ... good to hear that history is preserved for the future.