{"product_id":"the-launching-of-roger-brook-dennis-wheatley-1st-edition","title":"The Launching of Roger Brook, Dennis Wheatley — 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, Hutchinson \u0026amp; Co. (Publishers) Ltd., 1947\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. 381.\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 original black cloth boards are square and firm, presenting cleanly overall, though there is some expected softening and mild rubbing to the spine ends. The gilt lettering on the spine remains entirely legible, if slightly dulled with age. The text block is sound and tight; internally, the pages are clean with typical mild age-toning, while the top edge exhibits more pronounced dust-dulling and browning. The vibrant cartographic endpapers are well-preserved and free of significant blemish. The unclipped dust jacket (retaining the 12s. 6d. NET price) shows considerable wear, with chipping, creasing, and minor loss at the spine ends and corners. There is a noticeable dampstain to the lower edge of the rear panel, and the jacket has been previously reinforced with clear adhesive tape along the verso edges and folds.\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: First Edition, First Printing. This copy features the scarce first-issue dust jacket, identifiable by the printed erratum at the foot of the front flap correcting a typographical error in the Latin motto (\"FORSQUE\") on the front panel's shield banner.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003e\u003ci data-path-to-node=\"6\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eThe Launching of Roger Brook\u003c\/i\u003e marks Wheatley's first foray into historical fiction and serves as the debut of his longest-running and arguably most celebrated character, the Napoleonic-era secret agent Roger Brook. Unsigned, un-restored first printings retaining their original unclipped, first-issue jackets have become increasingly scarce on the open market, particularly given the fragile post-war paper stock utilized during its production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7\"\u003eSet against the tumultuous political backdrop of 1783 Europe, \u003ci data-path-to-node=\"7\" data-index-in-node=\"68\"\u003eThe Launching of Roger Brook\u003c\/i\u003e introduces a young, blue-eyed protagonist who flees his home to seek fame and fortune. Accidentally arriving in a financially ruined and volatile France, Roger spends four years mastering the arts of swordsmanship, espionage, and diplomacy. Immersed in the intrigues of a failing monarchy, he finds himself tangling with legendary historical figures—including Talleyrand and Marie Antoinette—ultimately setting him on the path to becoming Prime Minister William Pitt’s most resourceful secret agent.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Broadhursts Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54389091991891,"sku":"4752","price":55.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/1469\/6787\/files\/20260717_200534.jpg?v=1784831111","url":"https:\/\/broadhurstsbooks.com\/products\/the-launching-of-roger-brook-dennis-wheatley-1st-edition","provider":"Broadhursts Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}