The Shadow of the Wolf, R. Austin Freeman — 1st Edition

£110.00

The Shadow of the Wolf, R. Austin Freeman — 1st Edition

Name: The Shadow of the Wolf, R. Austin Freeman — 1st Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 4036
Price: 110.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Publication: London, Hodder and Stoughton, 1925

Formatting: 8vo, pp. 320.

Condition Report Good. The book remains tightly bound and structurally sound, a commendable trait for a popular genre fiction title of this era, indicating it has not suffered the heavy mishandling typical of circulating libraries. The original red cloth boards show only minor shelf wear and light bumping to the extremities. The spine, however, is heavily sunned and colour-faded, a notorious flaw associated with the fugitive red dyes utilised by publishers during this period, with some associated darkening near the joints. Internally, the text block is largely clean and legible; however, moderate, spotty foxing is present along the page block edges and is scattered across the preliminary and terminal leaves. An unassuming, contemporary ownership signature resides on the front free endpaper. Overall, a robust, honest copy that presents well despite the exterior fading.

Catalogue Note This is a true UK First Edition, first printing, issued in October 1925. The book is presented in its primary publisher's red cloth binding, stamped with black lettering to the spine and upper board.

While R. Austin Freeman's Dr. Thorndyke mysteries were printed in substantial commercial runs, surviving early UK first editions, particularly those that have not been heavily compromised by institutional library wear or subsequent rebinding, have become increasingly elusive on the open market. This copy retains a standard prior ownership inscription, adding a touch of contemporary provenance without detracting from the book's underlying collectability.

In The Shadow of the Wolf, R. Austin Freeman delivers another masterclass in the "inverted" detective story format he pioneered. When a seemingly flawless murder is committed on the rugged Cornish coast, the perpetrator believes they have accounted for every possible variable and secured an ironclad alibi. They have, however, failed to account for the unparalleled scientific acumen of Dr. John Evelyn Thorndyke. Armed with his iconic green research case, his encyclopaedic knowledge of natural history, and an unwavering commitment to forensic truth, Thorndyke meticulously deconstructs the killer's narrative. A riveting tale of suspense and deduction, proving that even the most carefully constructed lies can be unravelled by a single, microscopic clue.

Book Condition: Good

Book Authors: R. Austin Freeman

Book Publisher: Hodder and Stoughton

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Fiction

Genre: Crime & Mystery

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages: 320

Book Publication Year: 1925

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: N/A

Book Series: Dr. Thorndyke

Country/region of manufacture: Guildford and Esher, 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.