Escape to Freedom – T. C. F. Prittie & W. Earle Edwards | 1954 Fourth Impression in Original Illustrated Dustwrapper

Authors: The Hon. T. C. F. Prittie, M.B.E., and Captain W. Earle Edwards, M.B.E., T.D.
Publisher: Hutchinson, London
Date: 1954
Edition: Fourth Impression
Binding: Hardback in original illustrated dustwrapper
Condition: Near Fine book in Very Good dustwrapper
Stock Code: 004249
Location: Bookroom

Description

A particularly attractive and exceptionally well-preserved copy of Escape to Freedom, the remarkable first-hand account of wartime captivity and escape by the Hon. T. C. F. Prittie and Captain W. Earle Edwards, published by Hutchinson in 1954. Fourth impression, retaining its striking original illustrated dustwrapper, now protected in an easily removable clear acetate archival cover.

One of the engaging British prisoner-of-war escape narratives to emerge from the Second World War, Escape to Freedom recounts the authors’ extraordinary experiences as prisoners in German captivity and their repeated attempts to regain their freedom. Between them, Prittie and Edwards undertook eight remarkable escapes from German prisoner-of-war camps, demonstrating exceptional ingenuity, determination and resourcefulness in the face of formidable obstacles.

Their account describes the elaborate planning, deception and practical improvisation involved in escaping from guarded camps, together with the dangers encountered by prisoners attempting to travel through enemy-controlled territory. The narrative provides an absorbing picture of the resourcefulness of British prisoners of war, including the use of disguises, forged documents, clandestine preparations and the assistance of fellow prisoners.

Alongside its dramatic episodes, the book offers valuable insights into daily life in German prisoner-of-war camps, the relationships between captives and guards, and the psychological pressures of confinement. Written in a lively and accessible style, Escape to Freedom belongs to the distinguished tradition of British Second World War escape literature, alongside works such as The Wooden Horse, The Colditz Story and The Great Escape.

The Authors and Their Wartime Experiences

The Hon. T. C. F. Prittie, M.B.E., and Captain W. Earle Edwards, M.B.E., T.D., drew upon their personal experiences of German captivity to produce this account of escape, evasion and endurance.

Their narrative is especially interesting for its detailed descriptions of the methods employed by prisoners attempting to evade German security and the extraordinary lengths to which men were prepared to go in order to regain their freedom. The book illustrates the ingenuity and determination that became characteristic features of British prisoner-of-war escape operations during the Second World War.

Condition

Book: Near Fine. A particularly clean and well-preserved copy. The original binding is firm and tight, with clean boards. The pages and illustrations are beautifully clean throughout.

Dustwrapper: Very Good. The original illustrated dustwrapper is attractive and well preserved, with some light age-related spotting, small nicks and rubbing, particularly to the edges, corners and spine extremities. There is minor edge wear, but the striking pictorial design remains clear and colourful.

The dustwrapper is now protected in an easily removable clear acetate archival cover.

A particularly pleasing example of this classic wartime escape narrative, retaining its attractive original illustrated dustwrapper.

The photographs form part of the description.

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Our photographs show the actual copy offered for sale and form part of its description.

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An attractive early impression of an engaging and historically interesting Second World War prisoner-of-war escape memoir, retaining its original illustrated dustwrapper.