The Case of the Deadly Toy, Erle Stanley Gardner — 1st Edition

£19.99

The Case of the Deadly Toy, Erle Stanley Gardner — 1st Edition

Name: The Case of the Deadly Toy, Erle Stanley Gardner — 1st Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 4661
Price: 19.99 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Publication: London, Heinemann, 1964

Formatting: 8vo, pp. [vi], 224.

Condition Report: Very Good. The original black publisher's cloth binding remains exceptionally tight and square, presenting sharp corners and brilliant, unoxidised gilt lettering to the spine that is completely free of rubbing or fading. The text block is firm and structurally sound, exhibiting only the light, uniform age-toning to the page edges that is entirely characteristic of mid-century paper stock. Internally, the leaves are crisp and clean, lacking any foxing, dampstaining, or obtrusive wear. The original, unclipped dust jacket is similarly well-preserved, boasting vibrant, striking colours on the front panel and a bright spine that has avoided the sun-fading so common to this era. The jacket shows only trivial surface rubbing and very faint creasing along the top edge, now presenting beautifully within a protective clear sleeve.

Catalogue Note: First UK Edition. A classic entry in the renowned Perry Mason mystery series by Erle Stanley Gardner, The Case of the Deadly Toy originally debuted in the United States in 1959 via William Morrow before making its British premier with Heinemann in 1964.

This true first UK printing distinguishes itself with its striking, graphic dust jacket, a bold mid-century composition featuring a revolver and bullets on a vivid red background, which marked a stylistic departure from the photographic covers utilised by contemporary book clubs. While Gardner's prolific output ensured high initial print runs, locating a true Heinemann first edition in such an unsunned, well-preserved dust jacket has become increasingly difficult on the open market, making this an attractive acquisition for collectors of Golden Age detective fiction.

When seven-year-old Robert Selkirk becomes the unwitting pawn in a vicious custody battle between his wealthy, controlling father and his desperate mother, Norda Allison, tensions reach a boiling point. The stakes turn lethal when the boy's seemingly harmless toy gun is swapped for a genuine, deadly .22 calibre revolver, culminating in a chilling murder. Legendary defence attorney Perry Mason is thrust into a labyrinth of deceit, blackmail, and tightly guarded family secrets. With his client seemingly caught red-handed and the District Attorney eager for a conviction, Mason must employ all of his courtroom brilliance to unravel the conspiracy and expose the true killer before the gavel falls.

Book Condition: Very Good

Book Authors: Erle Stanley Gardner

Book Publisher: Heinemann

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Fiction

Genre: Crime & Mystery

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages:

Book Publication Year: 1964

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: N/A

Book Series: Perry Mason

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.