The Red Thumb Mark, R. Austin Freeman — 1st UK Paperback Edition

£80.00

The Red Thumb Mark, R. Austin Freeman — 1st UK Paperback Edition

Name: The Red Thumb Mark, R. Austin Freeman — 1st UK Paperback Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 5310
Price: 80.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Publication: London, Hodder & Stoughton, 1913.

Formatting: 8vo, pp. [viii], 119.

Condition Report: Fair. This fragile early paperback survival exhibits significant wear, typical of the cheap ephemeral materials used for sixpenny editions. The pictorial front wrapper is completely detached from the text block, and the fragile paper spine has almost entirely perished, leaving only minor remnants. The edges of the wrappers are moderately chipped, rubbed, and lightly creased. Internally, the contemporary paper stock is heavily age-toned, yet the text block remains remarkably solid and firmly bound, with the pages largely free from severe tears or significant foxing. Despite the exterior flaws, the striking cover artwork remains bright and legible.

Catalogue Note: First published in 1907, this 1913 iteration by Hodder & Stoughton within their "Famous Sixpenny Novels" series represents the first paper-bound edition of Freeman's seminal work. Early mass-market paperbacks of this era were printed cheaply and intended to be disposable; consequently, surviving copies are notoriously scarce on the open market. This copy retains its publisher's original period advertisements, including notable promotions for Sunlight Soap, Swan Pens, and Chlorodyne, providing a fascinating window into Edwardian consumer culture.

A cornerstone of Golden Age detective fiction, The Red Thumb Mark introduces readers to Dr. John Thorndyke, a brilliant medico-legal forensic investigator. When a bloody thumbprint is used as evidence to frame an innocent man for theft, Thorndyke is called upon to exonerate him. Pioneering the fictional use of forensic evidence and exploring the revolutionary concept that fingerprints could be forged, R. Austin Freeman's meticulous debut Thorndyke mystery remains a masterclass in Edwardian plotting.

Book Condition: Fair

Book Authors: R. Austin Freeman

Book Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Fiction

Genre: Crime & Mystery

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages: 119

Book Publication Year: 1913

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Paperback

Illustrator: N/A

Book Series: Hodder & Stoughton's Famous Sixpenny Novels

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.