TWO ORIGINAL TYPESCRIPTS of Articles on the Korean War Submitted by Michener for Publication by the U.S. Marine Corps in 1952.
Michener, James A

n.p.: n.p., 1952. First edition The first article is three full typed pages (some 700 words), under the heading "With the Marines, Korea July 21, 1952." This is accompanied by a brief cover letter (TLS) from the author dated "First Mar Div / July 21, 1952," and signed "Jim Michener" (in pencil). The article is a character sketch of a Marine scout: "Twenty-three-year-old Lyle Lewis of Tacoma, Washington is phenomenal, even for the Marines He apparently has no nerves, no fear and no need of sleep. More than forty times in the last two months he has penetrated Communist lines to a depth of more than two miles…" The typescript has several grease-pencil corrections in an unknown hand and is marked "Gen Rel 28 Jul." Also included a completely retyped version of the article that incorporates the corrections and is accompanied by a carbon copy of the first covering letter but with Michener's original signature (again in pencil).The second article is also three full type pages (some 800 words) under the same heading and with a short covering letter (TLS) which is signed "Mich" in ink and asks that if the Marines cannot use the article that it be sent to his agent in New York: The article details Michener's experiences in accompanying the troops for a day in 114-degree temperatures. It begins: "For the Marines it was just another day. For me it was a strange introduction to the fantastic war they are fighting north of Seoul. I wish all Americans could have experienced it. Then they would understand something of the Korean War." The typescript has an inked correction changing two words which appears to be in Michener's hand. Also included is a carbon copy of the original covering letter but with Michener's original signature in ink ("Mich").Both typescripts are lightly creased to envelope size and show some general light use The first has a paperclip mark on two pages. Outstanding early Michener material. Very good No binding (Item ID: ESB10858)

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