{"product_id":"biggles-takes-the-case-captain-w-e-johns-1st-edition","title":"Biggles Takes the Case, Captain W. E. Johns — 1st Edition","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"2\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"2\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003ePublication:\u003c\/b\u003e London, Hodder \u0026amp; Stoughton Limited, 1952\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"3\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eFormatting:\u003c\/b\u003e 8vo, pp. 189.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eCondition Report:\u003c\/b\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"5\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"5\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eCatalogue Note:\u003c\/b\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7\"\u003eWhile 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8\"\u003eWhen 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. \u003ci data-path-to-node=\"8\" data-index-in-node=\"247\"\u003eBiggles Takes the Case\u003c\/i\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Broadhursts Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54333005824339,"sku":"4356","price":132.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/1469\/6787\/files\/20260616_130854.jpg?v=1784270815","url":"https:\/\/broadhurstsbooks.com\/products\/biggles-takes-the-case-captain-w-e-johns-1st-edition","provider":"Broadhursts Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}