Caen, by A McKee

Caen, Anvil of Victory
by Alexander McKee

First edition

Alexander McKee, diver and military historian, is widely known as the man who lead the team of amateur divers (one of whom was John Bevan) in the discovery of the wreck of Henry VII’s flagship, Mary Rose. John’s admiration and respect for ‘Mac’ (as McKee was known by his friends) is reflected in his comprehensive collection of McKee’s books. This is one from John’s private collection.

1945. For nearly two months a murderous battle raged in the struggle for Caen. Caen weaves together personal accounts from British, Canadian and German soldiers to relate both the terror and bravery of the campaign. McKee confines the scope of the book to British and Canadian operations only.

Hardback with dust jacket in protective cellophane cover.
Dust jacket in fair condition. Rubbed corners and scuff to lower back cover. Lower corner of front fly leaf has been cut off. Illustrated endpapers show signs of gum from where tape was once in contact with the pages (at corners of leading edge of page). There is also signs of water marks to top edge of endpapers. Last page torn at top at spine where the page was once glued to the back endpaper. Inside pages in good condition.
12 pages of black and white photographs + black and white illustrations
368 pages, 150mm x 223mm (approx. 6in x 8.75in)

1964, Souvenir Press, London (First edition)