[ W. J. Macqueen-Pope, theatre manager and historian. ] Typescript of an unpublished account of the work of British millers and bakers during the war: 'No Medals for This (The Story of Bread in the Blitz)'. With two related Typed Letters Signed

Author: 
W. Macqueen-Pope [ Walter James Macqueen-Pope ] (1888-1960), theatre manager and historian [ Sydney Walton, publicist ]
Publication details: 
[ London, 1941. ]
£450.00
SKU: 17373

148pp., 4to. Bound with pink ribbon into grey card wraps with typed label on cover. In fair condition, on aged paper, in worn and aged binding. Pencil note on title page states '40000 words'. An interesting piece of social history during wartime. In a foreword Macqueen-Pope thanks a number of individuals for their assistance, adding that 'the leading characters in this real life story must perforce remain anonymous'. The aim of the book, Macqueen-Pope writes, is 'to tell how by another miracle, that of unexpected heroism and devotion - unexpected because it came from untried mettle - the miracle of our daily bread was maintained'. Chapter titles include: 'Porrtsmouth Carries On', 'The Story of Plymouth's Bakers', 'A London Nocturne', '"A Night of May in Nottingham."', 'The Spirit of Wales', 'The Viking Sons of Hull', 'Coventry's Glory'. The typescript is accompanied by two Typed Letters Signed. The first is from the publicist Sydney Walton to Noel E. Deane. 3 St James's Square, London. 15 February 1944. Walton claims Macqueen-Pope as a friend, and writes that the typescript 'is a story which the millers would like to publish and they would take a whole edition'. He asks Deane to 'glance at it or arrange for it to be read', and wonders whether it is 'the sort of book Hazell, Watson & Viney would agree to print if a publisher could be arranged'. He ends by suggesting the possibility of sponsorship from '[o]ne of our trade papers' The second is to Macqueen-Pope from F. C. Pryor of Hazell Watson & Viney Ltd, London, 19 January 1953. As the firm is 'not aware of Sydney Walton's present whereabouts', they are returning the manuscript to him..