JF Ptak Science Books Post 1245
I’ve written on this blog on some odd alphabets, and I’m certainly aware of some unusual alphabet books (like the alphabet of acronyms for some of FDR’s social creations and an alphabet book for socially conscience city planning in 1940), and there are endless alphabet books for young people learning how to read, but I don’t remember ever seeing an ABC book for bombing. Actually, its ABCs for after the bombing: (I’ve also written dozens of posts on “bombing” in general–just enter teh term in the google search at left for a listing.)
After the Air Raid, an A,B,C, of Information,by the Bute County Council, was published around 1940 (and which is available for purchase through our blog bookstore).This was printed in the town of Rothesay (by the “Rothesay Express”), which of course places publication in Scotland (though the Bute that I know is a county in North Carolina, 275 miles from where I sit–an old, 1760’s-founded county, up near the border of Virginia, closing in on the coat…its not-for-nothing that they call my part of the state “the Southern Highlands”, what with the huge influx of Scots/Irish coming into this area in the 18th 19th centuries). It’s a curious publication, not the least of which is the unlikely place of its origin.
Another curious thing is that no other copy of this slight publication shows up in WorldCat/First Search–not only that, but there are precious few publications that are found in the 1940-1950 era with “after” and “air raid” in their titles. (The few I found are below.)
The six-page pamphlet manages to cover 15 letters of the alphabet, plus a question mark at the end, for questions.
The entries are very economical, tidy, and well written:
“Money.
If you are in need as a result of enemy action, you should explain your circumstances to the Assistance Board Officer who, if satisfied with your case, will help you.”
“Orphans
Notification should be sent to the Information Centre of any children who have become orphans as a result of air raids.”
“Tools
You may obtain a grant to replace tools which are essential to your work, apply to Employment Exchange for assistance.”
Very matter-of-fact. I should think that if you needed to consult a work like this after having been bombed, that you’d want your information compact and direct.