mac leod johnMareMagnum
KOREAN WAR PERSONAL PHOTOGRAPH ALBUM. 300 Photographs. 1951 - 1953
réf. 38525n. p. n. d. 1st edition thus. Black lacquered album with peacock and Mount Fuji mother-of-pearl inlay to front cover silk ties. Black mounting paper with red photo corners. Some glassine layers between leaves. Album rubbed and silk ties gone from top rear board hinge almost detached. Photographs generally Very Good or better with glassine layers mostly torn. A Good to VG item. 22 leaves. 300 b/w photographs ranging in size mainly 3" x 4-1/2" and 2" x 2". Few photographs missing. Some photographs contained in an envelope in rear of album. 10-3/4" x 16" Unless they were on the front lines equipped with C-Rations members of the U. S. Army stationed in Japan in the 1950s enjoyed hearty well-prepared meals - particularly the officers. This photograph album titled by its compiler "Far East Command 1951 - 1952 - 1953" contains snapshots and formal staff pictures of what appears to be the officers' mess of Pershing Heights - HQ for the Far East Command in Tokyo. The photographs show large kitchens Japanese cooks and waitresses in starched uniforms dining rooms and elaborate desserts on serving tables. During his time in Japan this officer also seems to have enjoyed some leisure time - trips to the beach with bikini-clad women temples sacred springs and other tourist attractions. He also photographed the interior of his own quarters some locals and many of the official buildings and their grounds. During the "Third Korean Winter" however he was sent North with the army as General Ridgway began "meatgrinder" tactics to regain the Korean peninsula. This second part of the album with pasted-in typewritten title "Pictures Taken in Korea 1952 - 1953" shows a rougher outfit with jeeps and artillery in the snow sandbagged quarters bundled-up Korean soldiers and what appears to be a portable mess. Despite the circumstances the cooks must have had efficient facilities in which to work; there is one small photograph of an elaborately iced and decorated cake proudly held by two chefs in white toques. At this time the major generals ordered food for their officers from Japan. The basic fare was apparently popular and was even said to be enjoyed by visiting entertainers like Jack Benny and Debbie Reynolds. There are several pictures of USO performances in this part of the album. unknown books
Tavistock Books, ABAA · États-Unis650,00 $US≈ 579,58 €
