The Campaign in Burma. OWEN, Frank.

First edition, presentation copy in the publisher's presentation binding. This copy is inscribed by the author "To Herbert, ever sincerely, Frank". Herbert West was a Dartmouth College professor and prominent book dealer. Frank Owen (1905-1979) worked as a journalist for the Daily Express, Evening Standard, and Daily Mail, the latter two as editor. He commissioned into the Royal Tank Regiment in 1943 and was asked by Lord Mountbatten to work for SEAC, the paper serving soldiers in the Burma campaign. "The kinship with Mountbatten became explosive and decisive. The two men together helped to shape the Burma campaign. Owen was rewarded with the rank of lieutenant-colonel, and appointed to the OBE (1946), and at the end of hostilities he wrote an excellent official document, The Campaign in Burma (1946). Mountbatten would swear by him, as all who ever served nearby him in any cause would" (ODNB). This volume recounts the initial Japanese invasion, the failed Arakan offensive, the exploits of the Chindits, the battle of Kohima, and the Allied victory. It also includes seven maps showing troop movements at various stages of the conflict. Quarto. With half-tone photographic illustrations and maps throughout the text. Original black boards, spine and front board lettered and decorated in gilt, boards ruled in blind, green endpapers. Later armorial bookplate of the Verney family affixed by a Nantucket collector. Spine gilt a little tarnished, some light sunning to boards at head, contents bright: a near-fine copy.