Various (Luce, Henry (Editor); Churchill, Winston et al.)

TIME: The Weekly Newsmagazine Vol. LV No. 1 (January 2, 1950, Special Half-Century Commemoration Issue)

New York, NY, USA: Time Magazine Inc., 1950. First Edition. Stapled Wrappers. “In Washington, the administration made two historic year-end decisions. The first, by the military, was a complete about-face: the Joint Chiefs of Staff decided to help defend Formosa [Taiwan] against the Chinese Communists. The second decision was made by Harry Truman himself. He ordered all the top Government agencies involved to have a firm Asiatic policy ready for him by this week. At last, and belatedly, it looked as if some of the imagination and effort that had helped to contain Communism in Europe might be put to containing Communism in Asia.”-- “Two Decisions,” pg. 11. Five years after the defeat of the Nazi war-machine, and the conclusion of the Second World War, this issue of the legendary Time Magazine takes a look at the first half of the 20th century as well as the rammifications of WWII. Adorned with a portrait of Winston Churchil (1874-1965), British statesman, military officer, and Prime Minister, the cover of this issue coronates him as the "Man of the half-century." If not in image, then certainly in text, this issue--while it certainly ruminates on and rejoices in the defeat of the Nazi war-machine--spends most of its word count on the development of the two new (at the time) world powers; The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, and the People's Republic of China. This hyper focus on the twinned spectres of Communism, in Europe and Asia, betrays, and indeed, presages the next 40 years of American foreign policy and concern. While considerations of the nascent Cold War are everywhere in this issue; both on the international developments and geopolitical moves of the USSR and PRC, and the national concerns of labor movements in the U.S., and the growth and development of "Western Communist Parties," this issue is also concerned with the bustling industrialization of the U.S. as well as its new position as the world super power. Conversations of Stalin, Mao Zedong, Hitler, Churchil, the Nazi Holocaust, Roosevelt, American politics and foreign policy, etc., are the central focus of this issue and analyzing the first half of the 20th century is its primary concern. Also featured in this issue is four pages of large full color maps of the "Two Powers" and their spheres of influence; namely the United States and the USSR. From the collection of Barbara (1935-2023) & Irving (1933-2018) Nusbaum - world travelers, connoisseurs, eminent collectors of art & books, and the dearly beloved parents of our esteemed founder, Arthur S. Nusbaum. Stapled wrappers. First & presumably only printing. In relatively very fine condition with minor wear to fine edges, moderate rusting at staples, minor smudging/scratching to front and back covers, and moderate discoloration due to age-toning throughout interior; two binder holes punched through entirety, appx 1" from top & bottom of magazine near stapled spine. Fine. [Item #8869]

Price: $25.00