Biggles Takes the Case, Captain W. E. Johns — 1st Edition

£132.50

Biggles Takes the Case, Captain W. E. Johns — 1st Edition

Name: Biggles Takes the Case, Captain W. E. Johns — 1st Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 4356
Price: 132.50 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Publication: London, Hodder & Stoughton Limited, 1952

Formatting: 8vo, pp. 189.

Condition Report: Very Good. The volume itself presents in highly commendable condition for its age, remaining tightly bound with square corners and bright, unoxidised black tooling across the vibrant red cloth boards. The binding remains firm, indicating careful previous handling and no significant shelf-wear. Internally, the pages are fundamentally crisp, though some moderate, age-expected foxing and tanning are evident to the text block edges. The endpapers remain entirely intact, bearing a neat, contemporary ink gift inscription to the front free endpaper dated Christmas 1952. The original pictorial dust wrapper is present and in Good condition; it exhibits expected handling wear, including minor chipping and rubbing to the spine extremities, light creasing along the edges, and a minor abrasive tear to the lower rear panel, yet its Stead illustration remains vibrant and highly displayable.

Catalogue Note: This is a true first printing of the edition, as clearly indicated by the "First Printed 1952" statement on the copyright page with no subsequent printings noted. The volume features dynamic, full-page black-and-white illustrations by Captain Johns's long-time collaborator, Leslie Stead, perfectly capturing the post-war aviation adventure spirit.

The provenance is firmly grounded in the era of publication. The contemporary Christmas gift inscription from 1952 on the front free endpaper provides a charming, authentic timeline of the book's initial retail and gifting history shortly after its release.

While later reprints and secondary paperback bindings of this title remain relatively common, securing a true first edition in its original dust wrapper has become increasingly uncommon on the open market. Copies that retain their wrappers without severe loss or fading are highly desirable among dedicated Johns collectors and enthusiasts of Golden Age aviation fiction.

When an old comrade from the war asks for help recovering a stolen cache of priceless family jewels in India, Air Detective-Inspector James Bigglesworth and his trusty Air Police are swiftly drawn into a dangerous international conspiracy. Biggles Takes the Case features an exhilarating collection of nine short stories, sending the intrepid aviator and his trusted crew on a globe-trotting array of perilous missions. From unravelling high-altitude hijackings to outsmarting cunning smugglers, Biggles must rely on his razor-sharp intellect, unwavering courage, and masterful flying skills to ensure justice prevails in the treacherous skies.

Book Condition: Very Good

Book Authors: Captain W. E. Johns

Book Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton Limited

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Children's

Genre: Adventure

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages: 189

Book Publication Year: 1952

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: Leslie Stead

Book Series: Biggles

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.