WWI AIF - Saints and Soldiers - With the Men Over There
Harley Mathews, pub. W.F. Floessell, Sydney 1918. Two woodcut illustrations by Percy Leason.
An uncommon book of short stories of fictional characters, which is tilted towards the larrikin aspect of the ANZAC soldier. Exploits set in Egypt, Gallipoli, France and London. Bravery, shenanigan's, excessive craving for alcohol, and perpetually broke.
Harley Mathews (1889-1968) took part in the landing at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915, was mentioned in dispatches and wounded early in August. After service in France, in August 1916 he was posted to the Australian Army Pay Corps at AIF
Headquarters, London; repatriated towards the end of 1917, he was discharged on 29 December. In 1916 the sculptor Joseph Epstein used Mathews as a model for 'The Spirit of Anzac' on display in the Imperial wear Museum.
Ilustrated boards are in poor condition, warping to the top edge, illustration with a few losses and lifting at the top. Contents are generally clean, binding holding.



Estimate $70-100