“Call it Treason” by George Howe.  Historical novel about how the Allies recruited Germans to work behind enemy lines in WWII. 

1949 FIRST EDITION HARDCOVER VIKING PRESS. RARE.  

$40. 

The author (1898-1977) was a Harvard graduate and writer of historical novels. This book is based on the author’s experience as a civilian in the Office of Strategic Services, working on agents’ operations behind enemy lines.  Written in 1940’s wartime vernacular, it describes the recruitment, employment and payment of spies from among German POWs. 

Call it Treason was published in several languages and made into the film Decision before Dawn. 

No dust jacket. Some staining and wear consistent with age. Library stamps.  

The same first edition, signed by author, is currently listed for $183 Cdn. 

For students of Canadian Retail History: this book was originally owned by the Simpson’s Lending Library.  Robert Simpson’s department stores were founded in 1872.  The company entered a partnership with a Sears in 1952. In 1978 Simpson’s was sold to Hudson Bay. The book is stamped “Simpson’s Lending Library” inside the cover and on the last page.  The book likely entered the Lending Library when it was published in 1949.