Biggles Works It Out, Captain W.E. Johns — 1st Edition

£32.00

Biggles Works It Out, Captain W.E. Johns — 1st Edition

Name: Biggles Works It Out, Captain W.E. Johns — 1st Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 4357
Price: 32.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Publication: London, Hodder & Stoughton, 1951.

Formatting: 8vo, pp. 192.

Condition Report: Good. The original red publisher’s cloth binding remains tight and structurally sound, though it suffers from extensive white mottling and discoloration across the boards and spine, likely the result of historical damp or environmental exposure. The spine ends exhibit minor bumping and crushing. Internally, the hinges are secure and the leaves remain firmly attached, but the text block exhibits pervasive and pronounced foxing. This spotting is particularly heavy to the top edge and the preliminary leaves, substantially affecting the half-title, title page, and the colour frontispiece. The original dust wrapper, which remains unclipped and retains the '7/6 net' price on the front flap, is in Fair condition; it has been extensively backed, reinforced, and repaired with clear tape across the verso. This heavy historical intervention has resulted in significant stiffening of the paper and dark tape-staining that visibly bleeds through to the outer panels and flaps. The wrapper also presents with noticeable edge-wear, rubbing, and minor chipping to the spine extremities.

Catalogue Note: A true first edition, first impression of the fortieth instalment in the universally beloved Biggles series. The volume is notably enhanced by its internal artwork, featuring a striking two-colour frontispiece and several dynamic black-and-white line drawings by Stead, which perfectly capture the post-war aviation aesthetic. Interestingly, the rear panel of the dust wrapper features a promotional letter from the author introducing another of his characters, Captain Lorrington King ("Gimlet"), highlighting the push to cross-promote Johns's expanding literary universe. Given the immense print runs of post-war Biggles titles, this edition is relatively common on the open market. However, securing surviving original dust wrappers from this era, even those heavily heavily taped and repaired, remains a priority for completist collectors.

Following a tip-off about missing gold nuggets from an Australian mining town, Detective Air-Inspector Bigglesworth and his trusted comrades of the Air Police are plunged into a high-stakes investigation. Their pursuit of the truth takes them from the familiar skies of Britain to the treacherous landscapes of the Australian Outback, where they must outwit a ruthless gang of smugglers. Packed with thrilling aerial manoeuvres, dogged detective work, and the unwavering camaraderie of Biggles, Algy, Ginger, and Bertie, Biggles Works It Out is a classic tale of post-war aviation adventure that cements Captain W.E. Johns's status as a master of the genre.

Book Condition: Good

Book Authors: Captain W.E. Johns

Book Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Fiction

Genre: Adventure

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages: 192

Book Publication Year: 1951

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: Stead

Book Series: Biggles

Country/region of manufacture: Bungay, 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.