1931, H.G. Wells, Toy Soldiers Book of "Little Wars"
Unusual book; H.G. Wells (yep, The Time Machine guy) wrote this little "how to" book instructing participants about the rules and regulations regarding a fair fighting war. Of course it's a sardonic look at the idiocy of war using Britains toy soldiers as fodder. First published in 1931, this copy (I believe) was the third edition. 115 pages in all it comes complete with its original color dust jacket. Includes 16 full page black and white photographs plus little corner illustrations of toy soldiers battling it out. Although I could be wrong, I believe that the photo showing an older mustachioed man setting up his regiment is of H.G. himself (see 1st black and white photo). Wells outline how war should be "fairly" played including point values based on rank. He even gets into a discussion regarding prisoners and what to do about them. Placement of guns (cannons) leads another section indicating the correct distance from fighting men, capturing a gun, and minimum number of soldiers that can be fired upon in a single group! Hard cover published in the Great Britain by J.M. Dent & Sons, Ltd. and printed at the Aldine Press, Letchworth, Herts. Tough book to find especially with the original dust jacket. Size: 9" x 7" x ¾". Sold: Aug. 2010
Price Sold: $ 58
