The Singing Bone, R. Austin Freeman — 5th Edition

£55.00

The Singing Bone, R. Austin Freeman — 5th Edition

Name: The Singing Bone, R. Austin Freeman — 5th Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 5851
Price: 55.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Publication: London, Hodder and Stoughton, 1931

Formatting: 8vo, pp. [viii], 255.

Condition Report: Very Good. The volume presents highly attractively in its publisher's original terracotta cloth, remaining firm, tight, and remarkably square. The boards are pleasingly bright, completely free from any significant shelf-wear, while the black-ruled borders and lettering remain sharp and unrubbed. There is only the most minor bumping to the spine head and tail, alongside the lightest touches of wear to the extreme corners. Internally, the binding is robust and the hinges are entirely sound. The text block shows typical age-toning, with some moderate spotting and foxing concentrated along the top and fore-edges, though the interior pages are otherwise largely bright and clear of significant blemishes. A standard previous ownership inscription is present to the front free endpaper, otherwise the volume is entirely free from any distracting marks or annotations. Overall, a highly sturdy, vibrant copy of a classic work.

Catalogue Note: This is a fifth printing (May 1931) of R. Austin Freeman's landmark collection, originally published by Hodder and Stoughton in 1912.

The volume is famously significant for introducing the "inverted" detective story format, a structural innovation explicitly outlined in Freeman’s preface. By revealing the criminal's identity and methodology at the beginning of the narrative and dedicating the latter half of the story to the detective's deductions, Freeman fundamentally changed the landscape of crime fiction. Dr. John Thorndyke, his renowned medico-legal forensic investigator, remains a cornerstone of the genre.

While true 1912 first editions command significant premiums in the antiquarian market, attractive early reprints from the 1920s and 1930s, such as this excellent example, are highly sought after by collectors of Golden Age detective fiction as accessible alternatives, especially when preserved in such bright, robust condition.

In The Singing Bone, R. Austin Freeman upends the traditional whodunit by answering the central question in the very first chapter. Presenting a radical new approach to the mystery genre, this collection of stories features the brilliant forensic investigator Dr. John Thorndyke. Instead of guessing the killer, the reader is invited to watch Thorndyke meticulously gather clues, apply scientific rigor, and logically deconstruct the crime. Rich in atmospheric Edwardian detail and ingenious plotting, this collection remains an essential masterclass in the inverted detective story.

Book Condition: Very Good

Book Authors: R. Austin Freeman

Book Publisher: Hodder and Stoughton

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Fiction

Genre: Crime & Mystery

Book edition:

Signed: No

Book Pages: 255

Book Publication Year: 1931

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: N/A

Book Series: Dr. Thorndyke

Country/region of manufacture: Bungay, Suffolk, 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.