Lot 248: [PULITZER PRIZE WORLD WAR II CARTOONISTS] Uncommon

[PULITZER PRIZE WORLD WAR II CARTOONISTS] Uncommon First Edition of his soft-cover booklet Mud, Mules, and Mountains by Bill Mauldin (1921-2003), 44pp within pictorial wraps, 1944 With introduction by Ernie Pyle, his cartoons pictorially describe the Italian Campaign during the height of combat. On title page illustrator and editorial cartoonist REG MANNING (1905-1986), a friend of Mauldin, has penned in green ink "Property of Reg Manning" near his signature drawing of a small anthropomorphic cactus with a big nose. On first flyleaf, Manning has penned an inscription to Mauldin's son Andy: "This book, by all that's right, should belong to you, so I'm very happy to give it to you. Don't let your dad get holds of it, 'cause he'll lose it for you sure. He just doesn't value his own work highly enough to hang on to it. But this book by your father was one of the true classics of our century. Pass it along to your own son, some day. 9-12-51 - Your Dad's Friend, Reg Manning" adding signature cactus drawing. Internal light general toning; only 1 page loose from binding; first few pages lightly affected by dampstain at top left corner portion, resulting in partial ink bleed to first two words of inscription. Cover lightly toned but intact. Generally in better than very good condition. Accompanied by ALS "Reg," 1p, 81/2"x11", Phoenix, Jul 17, 1951 On his personal McNaught Syndicate letterhead to Bill, "Your mother just called...Here's my copy of Mules, Mud and Mountains - but I don't have the 'Leading Tree' book - never heard o' that one, or I'd probably have promoted a copy of it somewhere. While you've got this, I reckon y' better autograph it for me, eh? I'll get this in the mail now - hope the stamp sticks - we're gettin' that low on water, we only lick half a stamp to save moisture. H'lo to Natalie... P.S. That Little 'Property Of' notation in the front of the book has been there for years - I didn't put it there for your benefit, in other words -" and signing both signature and postscript with cactus drawing as well. Darkly penned and signed in green ink. Natalie was Mauldin's second wife. Light general toning, a little darker at top edge; else near Fine. A wonderful tribute from a fellow cartoonist and a First Edition of Mauldin's book so popular with WW II GIs. Est: $100-250