The Pitcher and the Well, Edited by Squadron Leader J. D. McDonald — 1st UK Ed

£21.50

The Pitcher and the Well, Edited by Squadron Leader J. D. McDonald — 1st UK Ed

Name: The Pitcher and the Well, Edited by Squadron Leader J. D. McDonald — 1st UK Ed
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 5121
Price: 21.50 GBP
Availability: OutOfStock

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Publication: London, Oldbourne Book Co. Ltd., 1961

Formatting: 8vo, pp. 224.

Condition Report: Very Good. Bound in the publisher's original dark blue cloth, the boards remain clean and sharp with bright, unoxidised gilt titling to the spine. The binding is firm and square, presenting a tight text block, though the page edges display moderate foxing and age-toning typical of the era's paper stock. Internally, the pages are crisp and unmarked, free from major blemishes or previous ownership inscriptions. The dust jacket retains its striking geometric design without severe fading. It exhibits light edge-wear, minor rubbing to the extremities, and a very short closed nick to the head of the spine, along with clipped corners to the front flap. Overall, it stands as a highly presentable and tightly bound copy.

Catalogue Note: This is the First UK Edition, issued in 1961 by Oldbourne following the original New Zealand publication by Paul's Book Arcade earlier that same year.

The work stands as a poignant and unfiltered piece of World War II history. Copies of this true first UK printing, particularly those that retain their original dust jackets in a respectable, intact state, have become increasingly uncommon on the open market, appealing strongly to collectors of aviation history and primary-source military narratives.

Dictated from a hospital bed in a German prisoner-of-war camp, The Pitcher and the Well is the deeply moving, anonymous memoir of a fatally burned New Zealand bomber navigator. Unflinchingly honest, the narrative strips away the glamorised veneer of aerial combat to reveal the grim, sardonic, and courageous reality experienced by bomber crews. Compiled from his final letters and papers by Squadron Leader J. D. McDonald, it serves as a haunting testament to the psychological toll of war and the enduring human spirit in the face of inevitable mortality.

Book Condition: Very Good

Book Authors: Squadron Leader J. D. McDonald (Editor)

Book Publisher: Oldbourne Book Co. Ltd.

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Non-Fiction

Genre: History

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages: 224

Book Publication Year: 1961

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: N/A

Book Series: N/A

Country/region of manufacture: Plymouth, 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.