THE GRIM CARETAKER.
London: Strothers Bookshop's Ltd, n.d., [1944]. Octavo, pp. [1-2: front covers] [3] 4-49 [50] [51-52: rear cover] pictorial wrappers. First edition. The second of three paperbacks published in 1944 featuring Lucian Carolus, Professor of Archaeology and scholar of the supernatural, an occult investigator in the vein of Hodgson’s Thomas Carnacki. In this book Carolus investigates a case of demonic possession at an isolated English estate. Highlights include a mysterious manservant with mesmeric powers and a battle with possessed mouse. Good pulp fun of the period. THERE WERE NO ASPER LADIES, the first Carolus adventure involves a case of vampirism and the final Carolus title, UNCANNY ADVENTURES, is a collection of 5 short stories which include werewolves and devil worshippers. Day, The Checklist of Fantastic Literature in Paperbound Books, p. 3. Reginald 00531. Hubin (1994), p. 32. Not in Bleiler. Binding staples rusted and staining paper, cover separated from text, some creasing, wear to upper spine end, lower spine split. Still a reasonably bright copy with complete covers, a good copy. Rare. OCLC locates 1 copy, University of Alberta, COPAC locates no copies. (22233). Item #22233
Price: $650.00