Sergeant Michael Cassidy, R.E., 'Sapper' [Herman Cyril McNeile] — 1st Edition

£32.50

Sergeant Michael Cassidy, R.E., 'Sapper' [Herman Cyril McNeile] — 1st Edition

Name: Sergeant Michael Cassidy, R.E., 'Sapper' [Herman Cyril McNeile] — 1st Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 4695
Price: 32.50 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Publication: London, Hodder and Stoughton, 1915

Formatting: 8vo, pp. [viii], 177, [3].

Condition Report: Good. The publisher's original green pictorial cloth binding remains generally firm and intact, though it displays moderate shelf-wear, slight bruising to the spine ends, and gentle rubbing to the extremities. There is a slight forward lean to the text block, and the cloth shows minor handling marks and light dust-soiling. The page edges are moderately tanned and spotted, consistent with the paper stock used during this period. Internally, the hinges hold securely. Scattered foxing is present throughout, most notably to the preliminary and final leaves, as well as the margins, however, the text itself remains bright and entirely legible. Overall, a highly presentable and sturdy survivor of an inherently fragile wartime production.

Catalogue Note: First edition. The debut work by Herman Cyril McNeile (1888–1937), written under the pseudonym 'Sapper'. As a serving officer in the Royal Engineers during the First World War, McNeile was prohibited by military regulations from publishing under his own name. This collection of stories represents his earliest literary output, significantly predating the creation of his famous Bulldog Drummond character.

Bound in the original publisher's green cloth, the front board features a striking black illustration of a soldier framed within a shamrock, accompanied by sergeant's stripes. The true 1915 first printing is increasingly uncommon in its original, un-restored state, as copies were frequently sent to the front lines or read to pieces by families at home.

Before capturing the public imagination with the dashing adventurer Bulldog Drummond, H. C. McNeile, writing as 'Sapper,' penned this gritty, poignant, and occasionally humorous collection of stories drawn directly from his experiences on the Western Front. Narrated through the perspective of the irrepressible Sergeant Michael Cassidy, the tales offer an authentic, ground-level view of the camaraderie, the stark reality, and the quiet stoicism of British soldiers facing the onset of the First World War and the bloody lead-up to the First Battle of Ypres.

Book Condition: Good

Book Authors: 'Sapper' (Herman Cyril McNeile)

Book Publisher: Hodder and Stoughton

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Fiction

Genre: Historical Fiction

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages: 177

Book Publication Year: 1915

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: N/A

Book Series: N/A

Country/region of manufacture: London, 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.