BIBLIOMYSTERIES
Since it has proven to be the most popular list we send out, we’re again offering some books in one of the most interesting sub-genres of the mystery world, "Bibliomysteries," which are books about books. They may be set in bookstores or libraries, they may involve collectors, librarians or authors, or they may involve rare books or manuscripts, but, for all of us who love the world of books, these are among the most satisfying books in the field, both for readers and for the many collectors who have specialized in these titles. If you would like to put together your own collection of bibliomysteries, whether reading copies or fine first editions, please make contact with Otto, who would enjoy working with you.
Anderson, Frederick Irving, "The Jorgenson Plates" contained in The Female of the Species edited by Ellery Queen, Boston, Little, Brown, 1943. Second printing Contains this story with much about the technical aspects of publishing in England and America. The Sophie Lang character served as the basis for three Paramount films, all starring Gertrude Michael: The Notorious Sophie Lang (1934), The Return of Sophie Lang (1936) and Sophie Lang Goes West (1937). Near fine copy. $15.00
Babson, Marian Murder on a Mystery Tour, N.Y., Walker, 1987. First U.S. edition A mystery weekend in England, sponsored by an American mystery bookstore, is attended by mystery fans, crime novelists–and murder. Very fine in dust jacket. $20.00
Block, Lawrence, The Burglar in the Library, London, No Exit, 1997. First trade edition, preceding the U.S. edition. The first issue with misprint of "settle" for "settled" on first page. This is one a very small number of copies (reputedly 47) misbound with the Scorpion Press title page. Very fine in dust jacket. Signed on the title page. $100.00
Block, Lawrence, Burglars Can’t Be Choosers, N.Y., Dutton, 1995. First printing of this reprint edition. Professional thief Bernie Rhodenbarr discusses how to hide money in books, as well as how to hide evidence in the style of Edgar Allan Poe. The first book in the series. Very fine in dust jacket. $23.95
Block, Lawrence, The Burglar Who Liked to Quote Kipling, N.Y., Dutton, 1996. First printing of this reprint edition. Rhodenbarr, now the owner of a second-hand bookstore, becomes involved in the theft of a rare Kipling volume. Very fine in dust jacket. Signed. $25.00
Block, Lawrence, The Burglar Who Studied Spinoza, N.Y., Dutton, 1997. First printing of this reprint edition. Thief and bookstore owner Rhodenbarr becomes involved with a very rare coin and a fence who collects books on Spinoza. Very fine in dust jacket. Signed. $23.95
Block, Lawrence, The Burglar Who Painted Like Mondrian, N.Y., Dutton, 1983. First printing of this reprint edition. Bookseller Bernie Rhodenbarr leaves his bookshop to steal a Mondrian painting. Very fine in dust jacket. Signed. $23.95
Breen, Jon L(inn), The Gathering Place, N.Y., Walker, 1984. First edition. A Los Angeles bookseller becomes involved in murder when she uncovers some curious facts about an early Hollywood screenwriter. Very fine in dust jacket. $45.00
Bruen, Ken, The Book of Virtue, N.Y., Mysterious Bookshop, 2011. First edition. Short story. A man who never read more than the sports page leaves an inheritance to his son, a beautiful book titled The Book of Virtue. Very fine in dust jacket. One of 26 lettered copies, signed, $100.00. Paperback, $4.95
Carter, Robert A(yres), Casual Slaughters, N.Y., Mysterious Press, 1994. First paperback edition. The head of a publishing company finds that his star author has been murdered and his million dollar manuscript stolen. As new. $7.50
Coleman, Reed Farrel, The Book of Ghosts, N.Y., Mysterious Bookshop, 2011. First edition. Short story. A man over-writes his murderous past, spinning a web of lies that remains a secret until The Book of Ghosts is discovered, wrapped in the striped pajamas of Auschwitz. Very fine in dust jacket. One of 26 lettered copies, signed, $100.00. One of 100 numbered copies, signed, $60.00. Paperback, $4.95
Crispin, Edmund (pseudonym of Robert Bruce Montgomery), The Case of the Gilded Fly, N.Y., London House & Maxwell 1970. First printing of this reprint edition. The murder of an actress involves a coterie of odd figures, including a parrot who quotes Heinrich Heine in German and a large team of monkeys testing the statistical hypothesis that they will inevitably type all the books in the British Museum. The first Gervase Fen mystery. Near fine copy in dust jacket. $15.00
Crispin, Edmund (pseudonym of Robert Bruce Montgomery), The Case of the Gilded Fly, N.Y., IPL, 1991. With a new introduction by Douglas G. Greene. First printing of this paperback edition. The murder of an actress involves a coterie of odd figures, including a parrot who quotes Heinrich Heine in German and a large team of monkeys testing the statistical hypothesis that they will inevitably type all the books in the British Museum. The first Gervase Fen mystery. $7.50
