Under Fire: An American Story by Oliver L. North with William Novak (1991 Hardcover INSCRIBED BY AUTHOR) 

•           Author:                           Oliver L. North     

•           Author:                           William Novak  

•           Book Design:                 C. Linda Dingler     

•           Publisher:      HarperCollins Publishers/Zondervan    New York, NY   U.S.A.    1991 

Written in secret as if it were a covert operation, then suddenly released, this is unquestionably the "event" book of that year. Here, finally, we might expect to get answers to our questions about what became known as "Iran- contra."  Was Marine Lieutenant Colonel North a "loose cannon" on the National Security Council, making U.S. foreign policy on his own?. And just what did President Reagan really know about Iran-contra?  North writes that Reagan "knew everything" about Iran-contra's covert operations. 

In this candid book, Oliver North, the man who has been at the center of the Iran-Contra controversy tells the story of his life. He reveals the inside story behind the headlines and stresses the importance of his family and his enduring faith, which have seen him through the toughest times.

Here is the Oliver North that the public has never before seen. Born in Texas and brought up in upstate New York, he writes that his childhood was like a Norman Rockwell painting. But the serenity was permanently shattered when he was shipped off to fight in Vietnam. [This book] includes some of the most powerful writing ever published about that conflict. 

Book designed by C. Linda Dingler. Three blocks of B&W photos bound in, but not numbered.  xviii + 446pp + 40pp of photos. 

Hardcover has blue paperboards, navy cloth spine but no DJ.  Gold lettering on spine, embossed Harper torch on front cover.  Interior is tight, clean and text is unmarked.  On first page following end-papers, is the AUTHOR'S INSCRIPTION, addressed to Jerry.  Condition is Near Fine (As New). 

• Size:  8vo – over 7¾ - 9¾” tall,       504pp.  
• Condition:  Near Fine (As New) Hardcover , but no Dust Jacket  –  INSCRIBED by AUTHOR North.  Copy from 1^st Edition, 4^th Printing in 1991.  Always privately owned.  No Ownership markings. 

Copyright 1991.  This copy is from the 4th printing in 1991.  Printed in U.S.A.  ISBN: 0-06-018334-9.  No LCCN nor MSR. 

Notes on Condition/Edition ratings:

Fine – means like new, but any book produced over 10 years ago isn't “brand new” or even “new.”  Using the same term as coin collectors, “can’t guarantee it is uncirculated, but it looks very much like it could be.”  Booksellers need similar grading to describe this...

Like New – A new book, no marks no damage (except maybe remainder marks or shelf-wear) except not obtained directly from the publisher or in packaging from the publisher.  Same sort of thing about grading as Fine above except generally used for newer publication dates with title still in print. 

Good – How someone else might take care of a book. Also referred to as “standard.” This is the most likely condition for books of this age & title, shows the book has been read or previously owned.  

 Acceptable – How a young child, student or a librarian might take care of a book. (Either trying to make sure someone doesn't steal it by plastering ownership everywhere, filled it with copious notes or a book that has been damaged.)

Poor – Combination of “acceptable” factors above. Most likely with water damage as well. Might have missing pages (you should ask).  Usually requires repair to be usable. 

Near – Means “almost” in an optimistic sense. e.g., “Near Fine” means very good, but on the high end.

1st Thus – Unique somehow, maybe 1st paperback, new illustrator, misprint or even the 1st edition. A collector might desire this copy for their collection.

Thanks for looking!