An Open Window, Roger Ormerod — 1st Edition, Signed & Inscribed
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Publication: London, Constable & Company Limited, 1988
Formatting: 8vo, pp. 205.
Condition Report: Near Fine. Binding is tight and square, with sharp corners and un-bumped boards. The spine features striking silver lettering that remains bright and completely unoxidised. The text block is exceptionally clean; while the page edges display the faintest trace of age-toning typical of 1980s paper stock, they remain entirely free from foxing, markings, or internal blemishes. The original dust jacket is equally impressive, presenting a bright, glossy finish and a unclipped front flap bearing the original £9.95 net price. It exhibits no chipping or tears and is perfectly preserved beneath a clear, protective mylar sleeve. An exceptional, highly collectible copy.
Catalogue Note: True first edition, first printing of Roger Ormerod's twenty-fifth crime novel, issued in the publisher's original black cloth binding. The dust jacket correctly attributes the novel to the acclaimed "Constable Crime" imprint.
Adding significant literary association value to this copy is a warm presentation inscription on the title page, boldly penned in black ink: "To Eileen / Love from Roger.". The recipient of this copy is Eileen Dewhurst, a respected English mystery and crime writer in her own right. Such an association highlights a charming personal connection between two prolific contemporaries of the 20th-century British crime fiction scene. Signed first editions of Ormerod's earlier titles, particularly those with notable authorial associations, remain increasingly uncommon on the open market.
With his twenty-fifth crime novel, Roger Ormerod deploys elements of subtle elucidation he has not previously explored. Walter Mann had become a virtual recluse, locking himself away in his rooms. When he is discovered dead with the doorkey still on its chain around his neck, the obvious conclusion is suicide—but in which case, why?. Facing enmity and suspicion from the family, and actively discouraged by the police, Richard explores a potential link between Mann's demise and the equally suspicious earlier death of his son-in-law. The deployment of shares in the family business, a savage attack of reprisal, and a drama of love and betrayal all lead to a violent denouement where Richard finally uncovers the truth of the open window.
Book Condition: Near Fine
Book Authors: Roger Ormerod
Book Publisher: Constable
Book Language: English
Narrative Type: Fiction
Genre: Crime & Mystery
Book edition: First Edition
Signed: Yes
Book Pages: 205
Book Publication Year: 1988
Book Publication Date:
Book Binding: Cloth
Illustrator: N/A
Book Series: Constable Crime
Country/region of manufacture: London, United Kingdom
Book Dimensions:
Book Condition Guide
| 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. |
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