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." A choice and unique association copy bearing a full-page author inscription on the front flyleaf. boldly penned in black fineline: "Elisa -- / Please accept my warmest / appreciation for all your / good efforts in turning / up historical 'goodies' / and providing much of / the drive which has / resulted in this study. / To you and Dr. Gillies / my deepest regards. / Ken / Incidentally this is the historic / presentation copy, which I / reclaimed from Lou Steman." In the acknowledgments on page i, Owens 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 postscript refers to the unveiling of this publication during a special ceremony that took place when Illinois State Historical Society members took a spring tour of Galena on May 17-19, A most unusual copy of this surprisingly uncommon booklet.