CAIN, James M.

The Final Issue of The Lorraine Cross

James M. Cain's own copy of the final issue of The Lorraine Cross, the newspaper of the 79th Division of the U.S. Army of the Allied Expeditionary Force in World War I. The Lorraine Cross was founded, edited, and largely written by James M. Cain, in part as a means of avoiding combat. This is the final issue of the paper, issued as the Division was returning to the U.S. The paper is quite browned, but otherwise fine. When Cain returned, he had this issue and some associated material matted and framed in period arts-and-crafts style oak frames, and hung in his own house. The issue prints a letter of thanks from the Division's commanding General Joseph E. Kuhn to Cain, thanking him and the paper's staff for their efforts on the paper. Also with: the original typed letter Signed from Kuhn to Cain (also framed by Cain). The letter is slightly darkened at the extremities from "matte-burn" but is otherwise fine. Also accompanying the letter and the newspaper is an original broadside printed in red and blue: "Have You Subscribed to The Lorraine Cross?" printed in red and two shades of blue with a comic drawing of doughboys reading the paper. This too has been framed by Cain in a compatible frame, and is in fine condition. Issues of The Lorraine Cross are impossible to find. To find Cain's own copy of the last and most important issue, along with the letter and broadside, is about as much as one could wish for of Cain's "juvenilia." For the three framed items.

[BTC #60123]