In the Blue, Major S. H. Long — 1st Edition

£175.00

In the Blue, Major S. H. Long — 1st Edition

Name: In the Blue, Major S. H. Long — 1st Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 7028
Price: 175.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Publication: London, John Lane, The Bodley Head, 1920

Formatting: 8vo.

Condition Report: Very Good. The volume has been sympathetically rebacked with a new, plain reddish-brown cloth spine that firmly secures the text block. The original textured cloth boards have been retained, exhibiting moderate shelf-wear, subtle edge darkening, and slight corner bumping. The front panel's embossed artillery motif and black titling remain distinct. The binding is tight and stable throughout. Internally, the pages display typical age-toning and light foxing to the text block edges, consistent with wartime and immediate post-war paper stock.

Catalogue Note: A scarce first edition of Major Selden Herbert Long's pioneering aviation memoir, published as part of John Lane's notable 'On Active Service' series.

Curiously, while the title page correctly identifies the author as Major S. H. Long, the publisher's external blocking on both the spine and front board erroneously prints his initials as "S.A. LONG". Printed by William Clowes and Sons in London and Beccles, this 1920 volume offers a highly authentic, contemporaneous account of World War I aerial combat.

Original first editions from this specific series are increasingly difficult to source on the open market, making this an uncommon survival for collectors of Royal Flying Corps history.

In this gripping memoir, flying ace Major S. H. Long takes readers into the perilously open skies of the First World War. From the rudimentary mechanics of early combat aircraft to the breathless intensity of dogfights and trench-strafing missions over the Western Front, In the Blue offers a rare, firsthand glimpse into the daily lives of the Royal Flying Corps' pioneering pilots. Written with the immediacy of a man who survived the unimaginable, it is a testament to the skill, daring, and quiet courage of the first generation of combat aviators.

Book Condition: Very Good

Book Authors: Major S. H. Long

Book Publisher: John Lane, The Bodley Head

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Non-Fiction

Genre: Aviation & Maritime

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages:

Book Publication Year: 1920

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: N/A

Book Series: On Active Service Series

Country/region of manufacture: London and Beccles, United Kingdom

Book Dimensions:

Book Condition Guide

We stock thousands of books in a wide range of conditions. To make things clear and to help you know exactly what to expect, Please refer to these condition categories to understand the condition of the book you will receive.

Condition	Description
New	A brand-new, unread and professionally handled book. Carefully preserved from publication to purchase, these books are offered in the best attainable condition. This grade applies to recently published titles that have not entered long-term storage.
As New	The book is in pristine, original condition as if just published. No signs of use or handling. The dust jacket (if present) is equally flawless. This grade applies to any book that has remained untouched in storage for years.
Fine	The book is close to As New. It remains bright and attractive, but could show minor imperfections to the boards and/or dust jacket (if present). Its pages are typically clean and unmarked.
Near Fine	The book has a number of small flaws, i.e. slight rubbing to the edges, or tiny chips or creases to the dust jacket (if present). Its pages may have faint marks, or creases that are barely perceptible — nothing that detracts from their overall condition.
Very Good	The book maintains its structural integrity, and has no major flaws such as tears to its binding or pages. It may, however, show signs of careful use, handling, or storage — small marks and creases, light foxing. Its dust jacket (if present) remains fully intact, but small tears may be present.
Good	A book that remains intact and readable with complete text pages, but shows moderate signs of wear and use to both the book and dust jacket (if present). It may have noticeable creases, nicks, or stains, and the spine likely shows fading, bumping, and rubbing. There could be writing, underlining, and other marks on some pages, though the majority will be clean and tidy.
Fair	A book with significant wear or damage. The text pages will be complete, but there may be heavy underlining, highlighting and staining throughout, and the book’s endpapers, half-title, and copyright pages could be damaged or missing. The binding could be loose, and the dust jacket (if present) may have notable scuffs or tears. These copies are usually of interest for content, signature(s) or scarcity.
Poor	A heavily worn book whose value lies in its complete and legible text. A poor book will have substantial defects — loose joints or hinges, detached covers, loose and/or missing pages, and could be heavily soiled. A poor book is also known as a reading copy, and although compromised, can hold historical or bibliographic significance.