At 12 Mr Byng Was Shot, Dudley Pope — 1st Edition

£50.00

At 12 Mr Byng Was Shot, Dudley Pope — 1st Edition

Name: At 12 Mr Byng Was Shot, Dudley Pope — 1st Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 6308
Price: 50.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Publication: London, Weidenfeld and Nicolson, 1962

Formatting: 8vo, pp. xvi, 338, [2].

Condition Report: Fine. The book remains in exceptionally pristine and bright condition, effectively presenting as new. The original blue cloth boards are immaculate, free from any rubbing, bumping, or shelf-wear, and the gilt titling along the spine remains strikingly crisp and unoxidised. The binding is remarkably tight and square, suggesting the book has been rarely, if ever, read. The top edge retains its clean light-blue stain, whilst the fore and bottom edges of the text block are exceptionally sharp and unblemished. Internally, the pages are crisp, clean, and entirely free from foxing, dampstaining, or handling marks. The original dust jacket is equally flawless; it remains fully intact and unclipped (retaining the 30s net price), free from any chips, tears, creases, or the typical spine toning often associated with jackets of this era, cementing the book's standing as a superlative collector's copy.

Catalogue Note: This is a highly attractive true first edition, first impression. The volume features eight double-sided black-and-white plates alongside several in-text maps and line illustrations that vividly chart the historical naval engagements and proceedings. The dust jacket bears the striking original wrap-around artwork by Francis Russell Flint.

While copies of Pope's non-fiction works from this era do appear on the open market, they are becoming increasingly uncommon in such an immaculate, unblemished state. Unmarked by previous ownership inscriptions or bookplates, this copy represents a premium example of the first edition, perfect for completing a discerning naval history collection.

On 14 March 1757, Admiral John Byng knelt on the quarterdeck of HMS Monarch, dropped his handkerchief as a signal, and was shot dead by a platoon of Royal Marines. His crime was "failing to do his utmost" to relieve the British garrison at Minorca against the French. In this meticulously researched and grippingly told historical account, acclaimed maritime author Dudley Pope investigates the disastrous political scapegoating and flawed naval strategy that led to one of the most controversial executions in British military history. Exploring the court-martial, the behind-the-scenes machinations of the Admiralty, and the outcry of an indignant nation, At 12 Mr Byng Was Shot remains a definitive and captivating examination of an infamous miscarriage of justice.

Book Condition: Fine

Book Authors: Dudley Pope

Book Publisher: Weidenfeld and Nicolson

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Non-Fiction

Genre: History

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages: 356

Book Publication Year: 1962

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: Francis Russell Flint

Book Series: N/A

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.