The Singing Bone, R. Austin Freeman —1st Paperback Edition

£150.00

The Singing Bone, R. Austin Freeman —1st Paperback Edition

Name: The Singing Bone, R. Austin Freeman —1st Paperback Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 5309
Price: 150.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Publication: London, Hodder and Stoughton, 1913

Formatting: 8vo, pp. N/A.

Condition Report: Good. For an ephemeral paperbound volume of this vintage, the preservation is highly commendable, though it exhibits the expected wear inherent to the format. The illustrated paper wrappers remain remarkably bright and visually striking, displaying minor edge-rubbing, mild creasing across the panels, subtle chipping at the spine ends, and a small closed tear at the lower front joint. The binding remains largely sound but delicate. Internally, the cheap paper stock has inevitably tanned, though the leaves are crisp and clean, unmarked save for a neat contemporary ownership inscription ('W. J. Warner / June 1914') in ink to the upper margin of the preface page.

Catalogue Note: This is the scarce first paperbound edition of Freeman’s landmark collection, published as part of Hodder & Stoughton’s ‘Famous Sixpenny Novels’ series. Originally issued in cloth in 1912, this 1913 edition is of paramount importance to the history of detective fiction.

It is in this volume that Freeman pioneered the 'inverted detective story' format. By first presenting the crime from the perpetrator’s perspective, allowing the reader to witness the act, the motives, and the concealing of evidence, Freeman shifted the narrative focus from 'who did it?' to 'how will they be caught?'. This reversed approach allowed his series detective, Dr. John Thorndyke, to demonstrate his pioneering forensic and scientific methods to brilliant effect.

Surviving copies of these fragile sixpenny editions are exceptionally scarce on the open market, particularly with the spine and striking front wrapper artwork intact, making this a highly desirable piece for collectors of early crime fiction.

Dr. John Thorndyke, the pioneer of scientific detection, returns to apply his unparalleled forensic mind to a series of baffling crimes. In these groundbreaking tales, the reader is made an accomplice to the crime, witnessing the meticulous plotting and execution of murder before Thorndyke even arrives on the scene. Stripped of the usual whodunit mystery, the thrill lies in watching the master investigator unearth the fatal flaws and overlooked traces left by seemingly perfect criminals, proving that no deed can truly be hidden from the cold, discerning light of science.

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:

Book Publication Year: 1913

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Paperback

Illustrator: N/A

Book Series: 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.