Our second recent acquisitions catalogue continues with a strong emphasis on collectible twentieth-century fiction, Golden Age crime, children’s literature, and mystery. This latest selection includes several increasingly scarce editions by Sax Rohmer, Philip MacDonald, Enid Blyton, Captain W. E. Johns, and Rev. W. Awdry, alongside notable literary and illustrated works.
As with all of our rare and collectible books for sale, condition remains central, with particular attention given to dust jackets, bindings, and overall presentation.
Philip MacDonald – The Rynox Murder Mystery (1930) – £400
A notable Golden Age crime novel and one of Philip MacDonald’s most unusual works, written without a central detective figure. Its reverse chronology structure and corporate setting distinguish it from many contemporary mysteries.
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U.S. first edition
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Very good book in very good unclipped dust jacket
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Light spine fading, shelf wear, and several small edge tears
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Firm binding and internally clean
MacDonald’s early first editions remain highly regarded among collectors of Golden Age detective fiction and mystery first editions.
James Jones – From Here to Eternity (1951) – £400
A landmark American war novel set in Hawaii shortly before Pearl Harbor, noted for its uncompromising portrayal of military life.
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Very good book in very good clipped dust jacket
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Shelf wear and rubbing present with small tears and minor loss to spine
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Binding firm and internally clean
First editions of Jones’s debut novel remain an important fixture within post-war American literary collecting.
Christina Rossetti – Goblin Market (1933) – £225
A beautifully produced edition of Rossetti’s celebrated narrative poem, enhanced by Arthur Rackham’s atmospheric illustrations.
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Softcover edition
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Very good book in very good dust wrapper
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Small tear at foot of spine and gift inscription to endpaper
Illustrated editions of Goblin Market, particularly those featuring Rackham artwork, continue to hold enduring appeal for collectors of illustrated and Victorian literature.
Enid Blyton – Collectible Children’s First Editions
Early Enid Blyton titles remain among the most consistently sought-after works in the children’s rare book market, particularly when retaining original dust jackets.
Five Get Into Trouble (1949) – £150
A classic Famous Five adventure featuring kidnappers, hidden identities, and Blyton’s enduring cast of Julian, Dick, Anne, George, and Timmy.
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Very good book in very good dust jacket
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Light to moderate wear with several small closed tears
The Mystery of the Hidden House (1948) – £350
A scarce title from the Five Find-Outers series featuring Fatty, Larry, Daisy, Pip, and Bets.
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Dust jacket with light spine-end wear
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Minor chipping to lower spine and small rear panel tear
Scarcer Blyton mysteries in original jackets continue to perform strongly within the market for collectible children’s first editions.
Rev. W. Awdry – Railway Series First Editions
Original Railway Series titles by Rev. W. Awdry remain increasingly collectible, especially in dust jackets and higher-grade condition.
Oliver the Western Engine (1969) – £90
Featuring Oliver’s rescue from the scrap heap and his arrival on the Fat Controller’s railway.
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Near fine book in very good unclipped dust jacket
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Light wear and several closed tears to jacket extremities
Main Line Engines (1966) – £90
A Railway Series adventure introducing Bill, Ben, and BoCo the Diesel.
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Near fine book in very good unclipped dust jacket
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Light wear and several closed tears
Awdry first editions continue to attract collectors of both children’s literature and railway enthusiasts.
Captain W. E. Johns – Biggles First Editions
Biggles titles remain enduringly popular among collectors of aviation fiction and adventure literature.
Biggles Sees Too Much (1970) – £350
A wartime intelligence adventure featuring Biggles and his team.
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Very good book in very good unclipped dust jacket
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Slight spine fading
Biggles and the Little Green God (1969) – £600
A fast-paced blend of treasure hunt, mystery, and adventure.
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Near fine book in near fine unclipped dust jacket
Higher-grade Biggles first editions have become increasingly scarce, particularly with bright unrestored jackets.
Sax Rohmer – Mystery, Occult Fiction and Fu Manchu
Sax Rohmer remains one of the defining figures of early twentieth-century popular fiction, best remembered for the Fu Manchu novels and his distinctive blend of crime, espionage, horror, and exotic adventure. Early editions in collectible dust jackets continue to attract strong interest within the market for rare first edition books for sale.
The Moon is Red (1954) – £250
A late Rohmer mystery combining supernatural suggestion with crime fiction, set against the atmosphere of post-war Florida and featuring Scotland Yard investigator Ryder.
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Very good book in a very good unclipped dust jacket
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Dust jacket shows light shelf wear with minor rubbing at extremities
A strong example of Rohmer’s later work, retaining an attractive original jacket.
Emperor Fu Manchu (1959) – £250
One of the later Fu Manchu novels, reflecting Cold War anxieties through Rohmer’s enduring master villain and his secretive Si Fan organisation.
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Near fine book in very good price-clipped dust jacket
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Minor wear with a small loss at foot of spine
Later Fu Manchu first editions remain increasingly collectible, particularly in higher-grade condition.
Yu’an Hee See Laughs (1939) – £1200
An especially desirable Rohmer title featuring one of his most memorable criminal masterminds outside the Fu Manchu canon.
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Very good book in very good unclipped dust jacket
Pre-war Rohmer titles in original dust jackets are becoming notably difficult to source in collectible condition.
The Trail of Fu Manchu (1934, U.S. First Edition) – £1500
A highly collectible Fu Manchu title featuring Nayland Smith and Dr. Petrie in pursuit of Rohmer’s infamous villain.
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U.S. first edition
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Very good book in very good unclipped dust jacket
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Light rubbing and edge wear; spine slightly pushed at base
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Dust jacket bright and clean with no significant defects
A particularly attractive copy, with the original dust jacket surviving unusually well for the period.
Collecting Focus: Dust Jackets, Scarcity and Condition
Across this second volume of recent acquisitions, the importance of original dust jackets remains especially evident. Many of these titles survive today only in worn or incomplete condition, making well-preserved examples increasingly desirable to collectors.
From Fu Manchu mysteries and Golden Age crime to classic children’s adventures and illustrated literature, this latest selection reflects the continuing strength of the market for UK first edition books for sale, particularly where originality and condition align.
Further details, photographs, and availability information can be provided on request.
