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First Edition. Individual stories were first serialized in the Fireside Companion, beginning in 1872. (Pearson, p. 191-192.) Hard cover, 4to (measuring 9 x 12 ½ inches) in half black leather over black marbled paper-covered boards, with title and ruling to spine. Collation: [2], 28, 28, 28, 30, 24, 26, 26, 28, 32, 28, 28, 22, 22, 2 (publisher's adverts), [2]; 356pp. Condition: Very Good Minus. The exterior is rubbed, with wear to boards, corners and foot of spine. Within, the name of the original owner on endpaper in old ink dated 1903. Light to Moderate browning (as expected). No. 20 has one page repaired with scotch tape. Old insect damage to fore edge affects No. 31 and 32 only with two half inch trails. End matter with folded corners. Overall, there is the odd stain, and some, small closed fore edge tears.** This compendium of early Gilded Age Dime Crime is bound in sequential order. Each issue is complete as issued fortnightly. Each has the original black and white newsprint illustrated cover bound in, and a few are neatly rubber-stamped with the original owner's name. Included are: No. 20, Vol. 1, "The Fastest Boy in New York" issued Dec. 1, 1885. No. 31, Vol. II, "Hamund the Detective" from Oct. 6, 1886. No. 32, Vol II: "The Giant Detective in France; Or, The Beautiful Mystery of Paris (First Half)" Nov. 3, 1886. No. 32, Vol II, "The Giant Detective in France…(Second Half) Dec. 1, 1886. No. 33, Vol. II "The American Detective in Russia; Or, "Piping" a Conspiracy" Jan. 5, 1887. No. 34, Vol. II "The Dutch Detective; Or, The Mystery of the Black Pool. Feb. 2, 1887. No. 40, Vol. II "Old Ironsides Among The Cowboys; Or, The Weird Narrative of A Lost Man. An Exciting Story of Detective Adventure in the Far West. (First Half)" May 1, 1888. No. 40, Vol. II, "Old Ironsides Among The Cowboys…(Second Half) May 1, 1888. No. 52, Vol. III, "Jack Gameway; Or, A Western Boy in New York" March 28, 1891; No. 53, Vol. III, "All Around New York; Or, Tip the Tumbler. A Humorous Tale of Trick and Device. (First Half)" June 27, 1891. No. 53, Vol. III, "All Around New York…(Second Half)" (plus extra title page) June 27, 1891. No. 54, Vol. III "Old Ironsides in New York; Or, The Daughter of the G.A.R. (First Half)" Sept. 26, 1891. No. 54, Vol. III, "Old Ironsides in New York…(Second Half)" Sept. 26, 1891.** These are all rare, first issues of ten cent detective stories which were all later re-issued in subsequent years under different series names. The first item, for instance, "The Fastest Boy in New York," appears first here in 1887; then, as part of the Calumet Series in 1892; later in the Lucky Series (1898) ; then in the Old Sleuth Weekly (1908) and finally, as part of the Adventure Series edition in 1911. Literature: Dimenovels dot org, and Hubin p.303. Scarce.
Ref: MYST 8619
$495.00