MINSTREL IN FRANCE


Written by Harry Lauder. Published by Hearst’s International Library Co., New York. Copyright 1918; I believe this to be the first edition—although there is no statement of printing, the copyright and title page dates match and there are no further printings noted on the copyright page.

There are several black and white photo illustration plates in the text.

Sir Harry Lauder was the most successful star of the English music halls in the first quarter of the twentieth century. A Minstrel in France is the account of the Scottish performer's travels and experiences entertaining the troops in England, France and America during World War I. This despite the fact that his son, Captain John Lauder of the First 8th Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders, was killed in a battle on the Western Front in France, December 1916. It features a detailed account of Lauder's pilgrimage to the battlefields, during which he gives an account of his son's time in the Army, meets his regimental comrades and performs at concerts to raise money for maimed soldiers' charities.

From Wikipedia:

ir Henry Lauder (4 August 1870 – 26 February 1950) was a Scottish singer and comedian popular in both music hall and vaudevillian theatre traditions; he achieved international success.

He was described by Sir Winston Churchill as "Scotland's greatest ever ambassador", who also wrote that Lauder, "... by his inspiring songs and valiant life, rendered measureless service to the Scottish race and to the British Empire.” He became a familiar worldwide figure promoting images like the kilt and the cromach (walking stick) to huge acclaim, especially in America. Among his most popular songs were "Roamin' in the Gloamin", "A Wee Deoch-an-Doris", "The End of the Road" and, a particularly big hit for him, "I Love a Lassie".

Lauder's understanding of life, its pathos and joys, earned him his popularity. Beniamino Gigli commended his singing voice and clarity. Lauder usually performed in full Highland regalia—kilt, sporran, tam o' shanter, and twisted walking stick—and sung Scottish-themed songs, including Roamin' in the Gloamin'.

By 1911 Lauder had become the highest-paid performer in the world, and was the first British artist to sell a million records; by 1928 he had sold double that. He raised vast amounts of money for the war effort during the First World War, for which he was knighted in 1919. He went into semi-retirement in the mid-1930s, but briefly emerged to entertain troops in the Second World War. By the late 1940s he was suffering from long periods of ill-health and died in Scotland in 1950.

DESCRIPTION:

338 pages

7 5/8 x 5 1/8 inches

first edition hardcover

CONDITION:

This hard-cover book is in good condition. There is no dust jacket. The red cloth hardcover is lightly soiled and shows wear at the corners and spine ends. The front endpaper has been torn out and there is a small blue stamp at the top of the half-title page There are a couple of small smudges on the title page. The interior is otherwise good with no names, marks, underlining, tears or odor. The paper is slightly toned with age. The hinges and binding are good with no loose or missing pages.

BECAUSE MEDIA RATE SHIPPING IS FREE ON THE BOOKS I SELL, COMBINE THIS WITH OTHER ITEMS FROM MY EBAY STORE.

I AM AN EXPERIENCED EBAY SELLER (23+ YEARS) AND SHIPPER WITH 100% (always!--since 1997!) FEEDBACK RATING.

ALL ITEMS ARE CAREFULLY AND SECURELY PACKED TO REDUCE OR ELIMINATE DANGER OF CRUSHING AND OR WATER/MOISTURE DAMAGE. ALL BOOKS ARE SHIPPED IN STURDY BOXES WITH TRACKING AND DELIVERY CONFIRMATION INCLUDED.

I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE ALL OF THE BOOKS, AUTOGRAPHS AND SIGNATURES ON BOOKS I SELL.