Description:

20th Century Writers
[New York, NY], ca. 1916-1917
Author J. B. Ames' Personal Copy of "Under Boy Scout Colors", Incl. 17 Original Drawings by Walt Louderback
Archive

A bound, serial publication featuring the full run of "Under Boy Scout Colors" by Joseph Bushnell Ames, with illustrations by Walt Louderback. Published in Century Illustrated Magazine between November 1916 and October 1917. Retained by the author and bound together with 17 original pencil drawings by Louderback (1887-1941), strategically placed next to the published image of the sketches. Together with a 2pp typed letter signed from Louderback to Ames mentioning the preliminary drawings found within, and a collection of nearly 70 press clippings pasted in rear. Professionally bound in period half leather boards, measuring 7.75" x 10" x 1" overall. Exhibits degrees of expected rubbing and surface scratching, with slight separation present to front cover hinge. Lightly toned interior. Scattered soiling throughout. Otherwise, very good.

The first of Louderback's illustrations notably features an autographed note, presumably to the book's editor, regarding deadlines. In full:

"Dear Mr. Clark,
Here are the two preliminary drawings for the next installment of 'Under Boy Scout Colors'. I will make then both the same page. I would appreciate it if you could get them back into my hands this coming Saturday the 13th as I have them on my schedule to be delivered to you Jan. 22.
Sincerely yours/ Walt Louderback"

The letter, typed on personal letterhead and dated September 25, 1917 reads in part:

"I remember at least five months ago you mentioned those preliminary sketches, and every time I saw them I called myself all sorts of names. My wife has perswaded [sic] me that swearing is low down and vulgar, so the first thing I must do in the right direction is to mail those sketches to you.
At the beginning of the story I made big drawings, but as they took a good deal of time I finally changed to the small ones which I use now altogether. I am afraid you think they are going to be better to look at than they are, and it is necessary to mutilate them to a certain extent in order to transfere [sic] them to the canvas. I am also enclosing a few that for some reason or other we decided not to make…
It was with reluctance that I made the last illustrations for the story. It certainly was a dandy and so much better than I am used to illustrating. Your mentioning the new one you sold to Mr. Mathiews is very interesting and I am hoping to get it. Your stuff is a real treat."

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 7.75" x 10" x 1"
  • Medium: Archive

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