THE DEVIL DRIVES.
New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1932. Octavo, pp. [1-12] [1-2] 3-289 [290: printing statement] [291-292: blank], original dark blue cloth, front and spine stamped in orange, rear borzoi design stamped in orange. First edition. Mystery novel which features an impossible locked room murder. "The locked room situation and many strand of the plot are finally resolved by a few well-placed Keeleresque coincidences. But Markham has still done an ingenious job of deceptive clue-planting that is worthy of Christie, Carr, or Queen; and his unexpected and grimly ironic finale is worthy of Francis Iles or Richard Hull." - Pronzini and Muller, 1001 Midnights, The Aficionado's Guide to Mystery and Detective Fiction, pp. 550-551. An interesting note is Markham is known for teaching what some consider the first university class on mystery fiction: "The Development and Technique of the Mystery Story" in 1929. Hubin, p. 550. Adey, Locked Room Murders and Other Impossible Crimes (1991), No. 1268. A very good copy in a sharp, fine dust jacket. Scarce in this condition. Most of the Markham books are uncommon in the marketplace. (25273). Item #25273
Price: $1,250.00