The United States Marines: A History by Edwin Howard Simmons (1998 Hardcover, 1st Printing of 3rd Edition in Dust Jacket)
· Author: Edwin Howard Simmons (1921–2007)
· Illustrations, Jacket and Maps: Charles H. Waterhouse (1924–2013)
· Photography: U. S. Marine Corps B&W Photographs
· Publisher: Naval Institute Press Annapolis MD U.S.A. 1998
Since its somewhat confused beginnings in November 1775 when the Second Continental Congress almost absentmindedly authorized two battalions of American marines, the U.S. Marine Corps has participated in all the nation's wars from the American Revolution through Desert Storm. This compact yet complete study focuses on the big wars but never slights events in between: the little wars, campaigns, punitive expeditions, showings of the flag, protection of American lives and property, and humanitarian missions that help define the corps. Nor does the author neglect the intermittent but never-ending fight for the corps's survival at home where it faces periodic challenges from Army, Navy, Air Force, and on occasion, unfriendly presidents. This third edition brings the popular and accessible history fully up to date. Because the previous edition left off at 1975, new chapters have been added to cover the tumultuous events of the last quarter-century, including Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, the Persian Gulf, Bangladesh, Somalia, and Haiti. Other chapters have been revised in light of new scholarship.
Edwin Howard Simmons (1921–2007) was a United States Marine Corps Brigadier General. He was a career officer who served in combat during three wars — including landing at Inchon and fighting at the Chosin Reservoir in the Korean War. He was renowned as the official Marine Corps historian, being called "the collective memory of the Marine Corps".
His 1974 book The United States Marines: A History became a seminal reference text. This title would have four editions released before his death to account for troop actions into the 21st century as well as to reflect new historical information developed after release of earlier editions. The copy for sale is from the third Edition of 1998. xii + 366pp + 18pp of B&W photograph plates.
Charles H. Waterhouse (1924–2013) was an American painter, illustrator and sculptor renowned for using United States Marine Corps historical themes as the motif for his works. His art spans subjects from Tun Tavern, the birthplace of the U. S. Marines to present day topics. Throughout his career, he created over 500 pieces for the Marine Corps art collection. One of his illustrations was used as front of this dust jacket cover and he drew the maps for actions described in this book.
Hardcover has red cloth boards with gold lettering on spine, in a Fine (As New) dust jacket. Jacket protected in plastic cover. Book opens as if never read. Interior is tight, clean and unmarked. No ownership markings, indicates always privately owned.
• Size: 8vo - over 7¾ - 9¾" tall, 396pp.
• Condition: Fine (As New) Hardcover, in protected Fine (As New) Dust Jacket – 1st Printing of 3rd Edition, always privately owned.
Copyrights 1974, 1976, & 1998. Both book and jacket printed in U.S.A. Stated First Printing, although printline indicates 2nd printing in '98. ISBN: 1-95750-840-2. LCCN: 98-29987. No MSR.