The War Lover.

HERSEY, John.

$500.00

Item Number: 140689

New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1959.

First edition, early printing of this aviation history classic, basis for the 1962 film starring Steve McQueen, Robert Wagner and Shirley Anne Field. Octavo, original cloth. Presentation copy, inscribed by the author on the title page, “For Ethan C. LeMunyon- with best wishes to a fellow Tientsinite. John Hersey.” Near fine in a near fine dust jacket. Jacket design by Guy Fleming.

The War Lover is about Buzz Morrow, a pilot who glorifies war and his military duties. Hersey makes the point that wars exist precisely because there are men like Buzz who revel in them. At the same time, he gives us a detailed account of a Flying Fortress crew based in England during WW II. The language is rough and expressive, revealing the loyalties, humor, and camaraderie existing in this wartime atmosphere.