Leaves from the War Diary of a Cootie

Access and use

Location of collection:
University of Virginia, Special Collections Dept.
Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library
University of Virginia
P.O. Box 400110
160 McCormick Rd
Charlottesville, Virginia 22904-4110
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Brenda Gunn
Phone: (434) 924-1037
Phone: (434) 243-1776
Fax: (434) 924-4968
Restrictions:

This collection is minimally processed and open for research.

Terms of access:

This collection contains some in-copyright material. Visit our Permissions and Publishing page for more information about use of Special Collections materials. The library can provide copyright information upon request, but users are responsible for making their own determination about lawful use of collections materials.

Preferred citation:

MSS 16863, Leaves from the War Diary of a Cootie, Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library, University of Virginia Library.

Summary

Extent:
.03 Cubic Feet 1 letter folder
Creator:
Abbit, John R.
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

MSS 16863, Leaves from the War Diary of a Cootie, Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library, University of Virginia Library.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains an illustrated manuscript by John R. Abbit that tells the comic story of a mother louse and her children traveling across the bodies of American soldiers in the First World War. The manuscript measures 6 X 5 inches and contains thirty-one pages in its original blue wrappers. The spine is punched with grommets and bound with red ribbon. The dedication page is typed in red ink, and the volume contains fifteen pen-and-ink drawings initialed "J. R. A.," interleaved with facing; the verse is typed in red and black. The cover, handwritten in black and red ink, reads "Leaves from the War Diary of a Cootie Transcribed by John R. Abbit." The dedication reads, "To the many soldiers on whom I have lived and with whom I have fought. Parisita Pediculus Vestmenti." The narration is from the point of view of the louse, and there are fifteen entries in the diary. Each entry contains a dated typed diary entry detailing the life and experiences of the lice family and a pen and ink illustration based on the report. The narrative unfolds during September 1918. We follow the lice family as they move to the front lines. "Thank goodness we have at last reached the Front- A Cooties Rest Cure!" A favored place due to the lack of cleanliness where "Every day in the Trenches improves the flavor of this man." It continues as the cooties encounter the soldier's interventions, from a "Finger and Thumb" attack to hot water and soap at the hospitals to fleeing wounded soldiers. It humorously communicates valuable information about disease prevention. There is little information about the author-illustrator.

Acquisition information:
This collection was purchased from Honey Wax by the Small Special Collections Library, University of Virginia on November 18, 2024.
Physical description:
Good
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard