Battle Cry.

URIS, Leon.

Item Number: 72053

New York: G.P. Putnam & Sons, 1953.

First edition of “one of the greatest war novels of the 20th century” (The Washington Times). Octavo, original cloth. Presentation copy, inscribed by the author on the front free endpaper, “To my buddy Craphouse Mouse Purdy, Lee Uris Thanx for the most wonderful week of our lives.” The recipient was editor in chief of Putnam’s, Ted Purdy, who published this volume. Also includes a 15 page prospectus for the book that was put out in advance by Putnam’s. Near fine in a very good dust jacket. An exceptional association, most likely the finest extant.

Battle Cry tells the story of enlisted men – Marines – at the beginning of World War II. They are a rough–and–ready tangle of guys from America's cities and farms and reservations. Led by a tough veteran sergeant, these soldiers band together to emerge as part of one of the most elite fighting forces in the world. With staggering realism and detail, we follow them into intense battles Guadalcanal and Tarawa and through exceptional moments of camaraderie and bravery. Battle Cry does not extol the glories of war, but proves itself to be one of the greatest war stories of all time. It was basis for the 1955 film directed by Raoul Walsh and written by Uris. The film stars Van Heflin, Aldo Ray, James Whitmore, Tab Hunter and Fess Parker.