The Launching of Roger Brook, Dennis Wheatley — 1st Edition

£55.00

The Launching of Roger Brook, Dennis Wheatley — 1st Edition

Name: The Launching of Roger Brook, Dennis Wheatley — 1st Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 4752
Price: 55.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Publication: London, Hutchinson & Co. (Publishers) Ltd., 1947

Formatting: 8vo, pp. 381.

Condition Report: 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.

Catalogue Note: 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.

The Launching of Roger Brook 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.

Set against the tumultuous political backdrop of 1783 Europe, The Launching of Roger Brook 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.

Book Condition: Very Good

Book Authors: Dennis Wheatley

Book Publisher: Hutchinson & Co.

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Fiction

Genre: Historical Fiction

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages: 381

Book Publication Year: 1947

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: N/A

Book Series: Roger Brook

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.