Signed First Edition of The Life of John Birch, by Robert H.W. Welch Jr.

Although I occasionally sell books about politics or published by politicians of various stripes, political topics are not a significant focus of my offerings. Most political books in recent years have been produced in large volume, and they are generally quickly forgotten as soon as the next year's crop is produced. This book is an exception, however, not because of its message, despite its importance in the development of the ultra-conservative John Birch Society, but rather because of its extreme scarcity.

Robert H. W. Welch Jr. (1899 -1985) was an American businessman, political organizer and conspiracy theorist. He became wealthy from his family's candy business and used his wealth to sponsor anti-communist causes. He co-founded the John Birch Society, an American extreme right-wing political organization in 1958, and dominated it until his death. He was a highly controversial figure and was criticized by both liberals and prominent conservatives, including William F. Buckley Jr.

The subject of the book, John Birch (1918 - August 25, 1945) was a US Army Air Forces intelligence officer and OSS field agent in China during World War II. He had previously been a Baptist minister and missionary. He was killed in a confrontation with Chinese Communist soldiers during an OSS assignment, just ten days after WWII ended. Later, he was considered by anti-communist activists, such as Welch, to have been the first American casualty of the Cold War, and so they named their organization The John Birch Society in his memory.

This very scarce book is in blue cloth with silver titles on the spine, The corners and spine ends show minor bumping, and there is very slight sunning at the top edge. There is a very small burn spot on the lower front cover, corresponding to the larger cigarette burn mark on the jacket. The binding is sound, and there are no other marks or damage. The paper of the text has noticeably age darkened, due to the poor quality of the paper used.

The unclipped DJ, now in a protective plastic cover, has a 1" chip missing at the lower spine and another comparably sized chip at the top of the spine. There is what appears to be a cigarette burn at the lower edge of the front., as well as other chipping at the edges. There are several tears along the spine and flap edges, partially repaired.

It is inscribed by Welch on the ffep, "For E. H. Baker with kind regards and all good wishes, Robert H.W. Welch Jr., January 2, 1954"

This first edition is quite scarce in any condition, scarcer still with an original dust jacket and very rare signed by Welch himself. I can find only one other copy currently available, and it is offered at a much higher price.

Very Good/Fair - $800

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