Description
1942 printing. Hardcover has significant wear, discoloration, scuffs and marks and scratches throughout. No dust jacket. Spine has tears on the top and bottom. Binding is loose on the cover but holding firm on the pages. Pages have some marks in pencil and light wear. Readable copy.
This well-worn copy of “Conversemos!: A first book for Spanish conversation” is a fascinating relic from the World War II era. Published in 1942, at the height of the conflict, this Spanish language textbook reflects the growing importance of cross-cultural communication and language learning during that period. As the United States mobilized for war and forged closer ties with Latin American allies, the demand for Spanish instruction materials likely spiked.
Written by Edin Brenes, an educator from Costa Rica, this textbook aimed to teach conversational Spanish through practical dialogues and exercises. Its emphasis on spoken language skills suggests it was intended for soldiers, diplomats, or others who needed functional Spanish proficiency for wartime duties or interactions with Spanish-speaking populations.
Despite its battered condition, this copy bears the marks of its role as a learning tool during a pivotal era. The pencil annotations hint at a student grappling with the lessons, while the loose binding speaks to years of use. For collectors of World War II memorabilia or vintage language learning materials, this scarred survivor offers a tangible link to the era’s cultural currents and the challenges of preparing for a multi-lingual conflict.
