Description: Large Archive of Correspondence Detailing the Publication of William B. Edwards' "The Story of Colt's Revolver" Author: [Firearms] Stackpole, Edward J.; Edwards, William B.; et al. Title: Large Archive of Correspondence Detailing the Publication of William B. Edwards' "The Story of Colt's Revolver" Publication: Chicago; Harrisburg, PA; et alibi: 1951-1953 Description: Archive of over 100 pieces of correspondence, generally very good with a few instances of staining and soiling. An incredible archive of correspondence between several important figures in the American guns and sports publishing world, surrounding the publication of William B. Edwards' definitive work on Samuel Colt and his revolver. Firearms expert, Bill Edwards, was the founder and technical editor of Guns Magazine, and wrote other historical books on the subject, including the well-received Civil War Guns (1955). His most authoritative monograph, The Story of Colt's Revolver: The Biography of Col. Samuel Colt was published Edward J. Stackpole (1984-1967) in 1953. Stackpole, a veteran officer who served in both World Wars was publisher of the Harrisburg Telegraph, and founder in 1930 of one of the important sporting and military publishing companies of the mid 20th century, Stackpole Books. The bulk of this archive contains original typed and signed letters from Stackpole to Edwards beginning in April of 1951 when the book was first pitched. They discuss in minute detail the evolution of the project from initial manuscript which was rejected out of hand, through negotiation over content, design, and other details including the gathering of historic photographs for inclusion, to the editing and publishing of the seminal work. Carbon copies of Edwards' replies and prompts are also included. A couple excerpts to give a taste of the content, which is incredibly broad in scope:Edwards (9 March 1952):"Colt has been a forgotten man in American history. Professor Morse has been published a dozen times, while Polk, Zach Taylor, Old Hickory, Sam Houston, Whistler, and all the dozens of men that moulded mid-nineteenth century America from the dry dust of the West and the blood-wet mud of Manassas, have found their chroniclers often. It is in an effort to show in some measure just where Samuel Colt fits in this scene, this burnt-oil hum of the late Industrial Revolution and the real West, more wild than any movie, that I [am doing] this work. To place him in context, among the guns that were his life-work, and to give him again a spirit of reality that once he had as alive, is my purpose and design."Stackpole (18 March 1852):"We believe that the technical and detailed part of the Colt Revolver should be accented, with the biographical material secondary. We should like to see the details and particulars of the many early Colt revolvers, to settle in the minds of collectors just what is what, and why. We feel that this sort of technical work would also sell to the average shooter, who of course greatly exceed collectors in numbers."The archive contains:37 TLS's on Stackpole Co. stationary to Edwards, 53 pages, approximately 10,000 words. Several sketches and notes by Edwards on versos of letters.46 carbon copies from Edwards to Stackpole, 78 pages, approximately 20,000 words.7 TLS's from Charles K. Fox, editor of the book, on Stackpole stationary to Edwards. 10 TLS's from other Stackpole employees concerning the book.3 letters to the Connecticut Historical Society discussing copyright concerns.13 Typed and autograph letters signed to Edwards from friends expressing congratulations on the publication, including one from John E. Parsons, prominent firearms historian. Several other related items: memoranda, memos, a greeting card, clippings, etc.In all, this set of primary materials provides a revealing look into the relationship between publisher and author, detailing the production of one of the revered works on the great American inventor, Samuel Colt. . Seller ID: 6598 Subject: Manuscript, Sports and Outdoors Peruse the Stacks Based in Gig Harbor, WA, we offer all manner of rare books, ephemera, and more. Our specialties range from young adult literature to horror to the state histories of Wyoming, Texas, and Washington. Terms All orders ship within two business days. Standard mail is USPS Media Mail. Expedited and international shipping are also available. We offer combined shipping on multiple orders. All items are guaranteed to be as described or they may be returned within 30 days of receipt for a full refund.This listing was created by Bibliopolis.
Price: 1647 USD
Location: Gig Harbor, Washington
End Time: 2024-09-19T00:54:26.000Z
Shipping Cost: 6 USD
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Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Date of Publication: 1953
Place of Publication: Chicago; Harrisburg, PA; et alibi
Language: English
Special Attributes: Signed
Author: Firearms] Stackpole, Edward J.; Edwards, William B.; et al
