An uncorrected proof, in the original orange wrappers, perfect bound. Laid in is a publisher's invoice with a message to the recipient, the invoice is stamped "Complimentary Copy No Charge." Though the invoice is not dated it is for $10. Hard-nosed Marine fighter pilot Lt. Col. Wilbur "Bull" Meecham, calls himself, "The Great Santini". He runs his family with a strict hand. In 1962, before the Vietnam War, the Meecham family struggles to fit into the Marine town of Beaufort, South Carolina where they are newcomers. Conroy makes the point that Santini is a warrior without a war, and, in turn, is at war alterenately with the service he loves and his family. The novel explores Ben Meecham's growth into manhood, his experiences playing basketball for his high school, as well as his friendships with a Jewish classmate and an African-American farmer. This investigation exposes the love-hate relationship between Ben and his father, and the lengths Ben goes to in an effort to win his father's