A Certain Dr. Thorndyke, R. Austin Freeman — New Library Edition

£45.00

A Certain Dr. Thorndyke, R. Austin Freeman — New Library Edition

Name: A Certain Dr. Thorndyke, R. Austin Freeman — New Library Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 4882
Price: 45.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Publication: London, Hodder & Stoughton, 1946

Formatting: 8vo, publisher's original cloth, dust-jacket.

Condition Report: Very Good. The publisher's original beige cloth binding remains firm and structurally sound, exhibiting only mild shelf-wear and slight bumping to the spine ends, while the red stamped lettering to the spine remains sharp and unoxidised. Internally, the binding is tight and square; the text block shows uniform, mild age-toning consistent with post-war paper stock, but remains clean and free from serious blemishes. The original unclipped dust wrapper (priced 5/- net) shows handling, presenting with edge-creasing, minor chipping to the extremities, and some rubbing across the front panel. Notably, the wrapper has neat, historical tape repairs to the verso at the head of the spine and flap folds to prevent further tearing.

Catalogue Note: This is the "New Library Edition," printed in March 1946 by Hazell, Watson & Viney, Ltd. for Hodder & Stoughton. Originally published in 1927, this post-war reprint is notably scarce on the open market when accompanied by its original dust wrapper.

The wrapper itself is a quintessential example of the iconic Hodder & Stoughton "Yellow Jacket" series, which remains highly sought after by collectors of Golden Age detective fiction. While later impressions of Freeman's work are relatively common as bare hardcovers, the survival of the fragile, illustrated paper jacket elevates this copy's collectability.

When retired soap manufacturer and obsessive collector Mr. Hollis decides to stash his extraordinary hoard of precious stones and bullion in a specially designed strong room, he considers his wealth entirely secure. However, upon discovering he has been the victim of a baffling, seemingly impossible robbery, with the sealed room completely unbreached, the legendary medico-detective Dr. Thorndyke is summoned. Blending a locked-room jewel heist in London with a thrilling tale of a disguised fugitive fleeing along the African Gold Coast, Freeman weaves a complex and highly satisfying mystery that tests Thorndyke's unparalleled scientific acumen to its limits.

Book Condition: Very Good

Book Authors: R. Austin Freeman

Book Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Fiction

Genre: Crime & Mystery

Book edition:

Signed: No

Book Pages:

Book Publication Year: 1946

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: N/A

Book Series: Dr. Thorndyke

Country/region of manufacture: London, United Kingdom

Book Dimensions:

Book Condition Guide

We stock thousands of books in a wide range of conditions. To make things clear and to help you know exactly what to expect, Please refer to these condition categories to understand the condition of the book you will receive.

Condition	Description
New	A brand-new, unread and professionally handled book. Carefully preserved from publication to purchase, these books are offered in the best attainable condition. This grade applies to recently published titles that have not entered long-term storage.
As New	The book is in pristine, original condition as if just published. No signs of use or handling. The dust jacket (if present) is equally flawless. This grade applies to any book that has remained untouched in storage for years.
Fine	The book is close to As New. It remains bright and attractive, but could show minor imperfections to the boards and/or dust jacket (if present). Its pages are typically clean and unmarked.
Near Fine	The book has a number of small flaws, i.e. slight rubbing to the edges, or tiny chips or creases to the dust jacket (if present). Its pages may have faint marks, or creases that are barely perceptible — nothing that detracts from their overall condition.
Very Good	The book maintains its structural integrity, and has no major flaws such as tears to its binding or pages. It may, however, show signs of careful use, handling, or storage — small marks and creases, light foxing. Its dust jacket (if present) remains fully intact, but small tears may be present.
Good	A book that remains intact and readable with complete text pages, but shows moderate signs of wear and use to both the book and dust jacket (if present). It may have noticeable creases, nicks, or stains, and the spine likely shows fading, bumping, and rubbing. There could be writing, underlining, and other marks on some pages, though the majority will be clean and tidy.
Fair	A book with significant wear or damage. The text pages will be complete, but there may be heavy underlining, highlighting and staining throughout, and the book’s endpapers, half-title, and copyright pages could be damaged or missing. The binding could be loose, and the dust jacket (if present) may have notable scuffs or tears. These copies are usually of interest for content, signature(s) or scarcity.
Poor	A heavily worn book whose value lies in its complete and legible text. A poor book will have substantial defects — loose joints or hinges, detached covers, loose and/or missing pages, and could be heavily soiled. A poor book is also known as a reading copy, and although compromised, can hold historical or bibliographic significance.