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Offered here is an early hardcover edition of The Bhagavad Gita; or, The Message of the Master, compiled and adapted by Yogi Ramacharaka—the pen name associated with influential New Thought author William Walker Atkinson.
If you do a little research you will quickly learn the story.
Published in Chicago by The Yogi Publication Society, this is the Revised Edition dated 1911, following the original 1907 edition.
What truly elevates this copy is its extraordinary handwritten presentation inscription:
“Camp Greenleaf, Ga.
October 1918
For Miss Louise Williams—
From Crittenden Van Wyck
Major—D.C. U.S.A.”
“D.C.” refers to the United States Army Dental Corps. Historical records confirm that Crittenden Van Wyck served as an Army dentist during World War I, rising from first lieutenant to captain and finally major.
Even more fascinating, contemporary newspaper records identify Louise Williams as Van Wyck’s future wife and report that their romance began while he was training at Camp Greenleaf, Georgia. The couple eventually married, but their relationship reached a tragic and notorious conclusion in 1942.
This is therefore not simply an old ownership inscription—it is an intimate association copy presented at the very beginning of a historically documented and ultimately tragic relationship.
Features:
• Genuine early 1911 Revised Edition
• Original blue cloth hardcover with gilt lettering and emblem
• Printed by The Yogi Publication Society, Chicago
• Inscribed and dated at Camp Greenleaf, Georgia, in October 1918
• Presented by Major Crittenden Van Wyck to his future wife, Louise Williams
• Compelling connections to World War I, California history and true-crime history
• Additional former-owner stamp for Wm. B. Codling of Salt Lake City
• An exceptional research, display or collection piece
Condition:
Good antique condition overall. The original blue cloth binding remains intact, with visible rubbing, bumped corners and wear along the spine ends and cover edges. The gilt lettering remains attractive. Interior pages show expected age toning and occasional discoloration. The presentation inscription and ownership stamp are clearly legible. Please carefully examine all photographs, as they form an important part of the condition description.
This is not represented as an author-signed copy. The inscription is attributed to Major Crittenden Van Wyck based upon the clearly written name, military rank, location, date and corresponding historical records.
A genuinely unusual association copy combining early American interest in Eastern spirituality with World War I military history and an extraordinary personal story. Copies with this precise provenance are unlikely to appear often.
The exact book pictured is the book you will receive. It will be carefully packaged for shipment.
