Readers Library

    Thea von Harbou, Metropolis, fourth printing, 1927

    Sci-Fi & Fantasy

    Von Harbou (Thea) Metropolis

    £1,500



    London, Readers Library, September 1927.

    First UK edition, fourth impression. Small 8vo. Original gilt tooled cloth. Dust-jacket, with the title mentioned on rear inside flap of the jacket.

    The book of the famous silent film that is held by many to be one of the defining moments in cinematic history, not least as the first feature length science fiction feature. The film was directed by Fritz Lang, who developed the story with Thea von Harbou. Set in a futuristic city sharply divided between the working class and the city planners, the son of the city's mastermind falls in love with a working class prophet who predicts the coming of a saviour to settle their differences. This fourth printing was issued within a few months of the first, indicating the demand.

    H.C. Asterley, Tale of Two Murders, c.1933

    Detective Fiction

    Asterley (H.C.) Tale of Two Murders

    £80



    London, Readers Library, n.d. [c.1933].

    Small 8vo. Advertisements. Original gilt-stamped red cloth. Dust-jacket, stating Readers Library No.385.

    Two homicide investigations and the detectives who solve them become entwined.

    D.M. Dell & W.W. Ellis, A Little Bit of Fluff..., c.1928

    Modern Literature

    Dell (Draycot M.) and Walter W. Ellis. A Little Bit of Fluff

    £85


    ...illustrated with scenes from the photo-play
    London, Readers Library, n.d. [c.1928].

    Small 8vo. Orginal gilt-stamped red cloth. Dust-jacket.

    A novelisation of Draycot Dell and Walter W. Ellis's hit farce. Bashful clerk Bertram Tully tries to retrieve a compromising letter, triggering mistaken identities, jealous husbands and door‑slamming chases.

    Mrs Belloc Lowndes, The Lonely House, Readers Library edition, c.1930

    Detective Fiction

    Belloc Lowndes (Mrs [Marie]) The Lonely House

    £120



    London, Readers Library, [c.1930].

    Readers Library edition. 8vo. Original turquoise cloth. Dust-jacket.

    An attractive edition of this 1920s crime fiction title, featuring one Hercules Popeau, a contemporary creation to Hercule Poirot, the comparison with which lead to a dispute with Agatha Christie, with Belloc Lowndes complaining to the Society of Authors.

    Francis D. Grierson, Secret Judges, Readers Library, 1934

    Detective Fiction

    Grierson (Francis D.) Secret Judges

    £95



    London, Readers Library, [?1934].

    Readers Library edition. Small 8vo. Original burgundy cloth lettered and ruled in gilt. Dust-jacket.

    Attractive edition of this Hubin-listed college mystery, first published in the UK in 1925.