Galena, Grant, and the Fortunes of War: A History of Galena, Illinois During the Civil War

DeKalb: Northern Illinois University, 1963. Paperback. 8vo. Stiff blue pictorial wrappers. v, 67pp. Frontispiece, illustrations. Very good. Slight bit of mild wear to outer wrappers (only). Tight and attractive first edition of this slim volume in the "Northern Illinois University Research Series," with a decorative-edged archival bookplate boldly signed in full by Owens in black ballpoint on the front flyleaf. This interesting association copy bearing a presentation inscription on the inside front wrapper: "To Mrs. Gillies -- / It was great fun / working with you on / this project. / Sincerely / William P. Vroom." In the acknowledgments on page i, Owens thanks "Dr. William P. Vroom, Director of Regional Services, [who] deserves special thanks for providing editorial aid and arranging publication of this study in the Northern Illinois University Research series." He also offers special thanks to doctor and "Mrs. William Gillies of Galena, indefatigable guides, informants, and enthusiastic promoters of their town's history. Dr. and Mrs. Gillies have also been exceedingly kind hosts during my visits to Galena." The first copies of this publication were given out in a special ceremony that took place when Illinois State Historical Society members took a spring tour of Galena on May 17-19, 1963 -- which no doubt is when the author's mentor Vroom gave this copy to one of the author's hosts and resources. Quite unusual copy of this surprisingly uncommon booklet.