A wonderfully preserved piece of 1920s publishing, this first edition of Hunger Fighters by Paul de Kruif was published by Harcourt, Brace and Company in 1928 and features bold illustrations by Bertrand Zadig. Bound in its original blue cloth, the book has a simple blind-stamped illustration on the front cover, faded gilt lettering along the spine, and beautifully uneven deckled page edges that give it unmistakable early-20th-century character. Paul de Kruif was a bacteriologist turned science writer who became known for bringing the lives and discoveries of scientists to a general audience. In Hunger Fighters, de Kruif turns his attention to the scientists, researchers, farmers, and agricultural pioneers working to overcome one of humanity’s oldest problems: hunger. Through a series of lively biographical accounts, he introduces readers to people confronting problems involving wheat production, livestock disease, crop development, nutrition, and food shortages. Rather than reading like a dry scientific reference book, de Kruif writes about these figures as determined individuals engaged in experiments, setbacks, discoveries, and sometimes years of difficult work. The result is a fascinating snapshot of agricultural science and public health during the late 1920s — a period when researchers were rapidly changing the ways food could be grown, protected, and understood. Throughout the book are dramatic black-and-white illustrations by Bertrand Zadig, including full-page portraits and smaller illustrations worked into the text. Their strong graphic style is wonderfully characteristic of the period. *CONDITION* This 100 year old book is in wonderful condition despite its age. The original blue cloth boards remain firm and display nicely. There is expected age-related wear, including light rubbing and wear at the corners and spine ends. The gilt lettering on the spine has faded with age. The pages show gentle age toning, while the interior remains remarkably clean and…
listed on 18 September 2026
