Description:

'WALLA WALLA' MAGAZINES - U.S. MARINES ON CHINA SERVICA
Very rare set of three bound editions of 'Walla Walla', a U.S. Marines magazine published in Shanghai about every two weeks by the 4th U.S. Marines. One volume contains about issues from Mar. 19, 1938 to Feb. 11, 1939, a second volume containing issues from Feb. 18, 1939 to Jan. 6, 1940, and Jan. 13, 1940 to Oct. 26, 1940. The volumes each are bound in black cloth with white or gold titles and imprinted name of the owner, one 'J. L. Craumer' who served at the facility. Each issues is 30 to 40pp, 8vo with a glossy cover and well illustrated within, also including advertisements for western goods, local bars and restaurants, theaters, etc. There is a good deal of discussion of the 'Chinese-Japanese War' and Germany's European blitzkrieg, but with most of the news concerning activities at the base, social news, new weaponry, military history, Chinese customs and culture, etc. Although the Marines were the editors of the Walla Walla, the actual magazines were initially printed by the "Evening News" a Shanghai based newspaper, later by the "Mercury Press" and finally by 1937 the "Willow Pattern Press". The magazines format remained constant through its history, regimental news, company news, updates from the 4th Marine Church, Navy YMCA updates, arrivals and departures and sports. But as the years went by, cartoons, poems, and jokes submitted by the men of the regiment were included in each publication. Furthermore, a hugely popular feature of Wallas in the mid 1930's was an advice column allegedly written by Chinese women who offered guidance on love and dating. In reality, these women were Marines serving as the ghost writers for the column. The most famous of the columnists was 'Cissy Wu', who until October 1938 when she 'went stateside' had a large following. As war threatened Europe and Asia, the tone of the magazine became more serious and subdued. This is reflected in the cover art as well as content. Articles might now include information on equipment and its employment as well as small unit tactical problems and their solutions. A rare compilation of thousands of pages offering a view of American military life in China in the prewar years.

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June 26, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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