Biggles Investigates, Captain W. E. Johns — 1st Edition

£200.00

Biggles Investigates, Captain W. E. Johns — 1st Edition

Name: Biggles Investigates, Captain W. E. Johns — 1st Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 6100
Price: 200.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Publication: Leicester, Brockhampton Press, 1964.

Formatting: 8vo, pp. 184.

Condition Report: Near Fine. This copy presents exceptionally well, housed in a tight, square binding with remarkably clean original boards that show virtually no shelf-wear or bumping, save for the gentlest pushing to the spine ends. The text block edges exhibit moderate, uniform age-toning typical of the era's paper stock, alongside very faint, sparse dust-soiling to the top edge, yet the internal pages remain crisp, clean, and entirely free of previous ownership inscriptions or markings. The original dust jacket is equally impressive, remaining bright, vibrant, and entirely unclipped, retaining the '8/6 net' price on the lower front flap. It shows only the most negligible hints of rubbing to the extremities and is now beautifully preserved in a protective clear archival sleeve, making it a superior, collector-grade example.

Catalogue Note: This is a true first edition, first impression, with the requisite text on the copyright page confirming its status as a true first printing. The volume features a striking colour frontispiece and dynamic internal line illustrations by Leslie Stead, Johns’ long-time collaborative illustrator whose distinctive mid-century style has become synonymous with the Biggles universe.

Later-era Biggles titles from this period are notably scarce on the open market compared to their pre-war counterparts, primarily due to smaller print runs and the heavy attrition rate inherent to popular children's literature.

Finding a copy in such a highly preserved state, complete with an unblemished and unclipped dust jacket, is increasingly uncommon, presenting a prime acquisition for serious collectors of golden age aviation fiction.

In this gripping anthology, Squadron Leader James Bigglesworth steps away from traditional wartime combat to take on the mantle of an airborne detective. Biggles Investigates comprises eight distinct, fast-paced mysteries that push the renowned Air Police to their limits. Alongside his trusted comrades Algy, Ginger, and Bertie, Biggles must unravel a series of baffling crimes, from sophisticated kidnapping rings and maritime smugglers to cunning acts of aerial sabotage. Combining sharp deduction with their legendary flying skills, the team proves that whether in the cockpit or on the ground, they remain the ultimate adversaries of the criminal underworld.

Book Condition: Near Fine

Book Authors: Captain W. E. Johns

Book Publisher: Brockhampton Press

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Fiction

Genre: Adventure

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages: 184

Book Publication Year: 1964

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: Leslie Stead

Book Series: Biggles

Country/region of manufacture: Leicester, 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.