FIVE.
New York: Farrar & Rinehart, Incorporated Publishers, [1931]. Octavo, pp. [1-6] [1-2] 3-270 [271-274: blank], publisher's light orange cloth stamped in brown, top edge stained light, other edges untrimmed. First edition. First of the two novels by Whitfield published under the pseudonym "Temple Field." First published in Black Mask magazine in nine parts as "The Laughing Death" series. Interestingly it was published as Raoul Whitfield. The story involves a flying ace from the Great War (Whitfield did fly in WWI) whose father a prosecuting attorney is murdered. The protagonist wreak vengeance upon the five men involved. This was largely rewritten from the magazine version. [Reference: Hubin, p. 282]. Slight spine roll, mild spine fade, a very good copy in good dust jacket priced $2.00 on the front flap with wear and fraying with shallow loss along the top and bottom edges, mainly spine ends, orange ink on spine panel faded away, soiling to rear panel and water stains with light show through on outer surface. Presents better than it appears from the written description. From the library of a well-known mystery writer with his library stamp on the front paste-down. Uncommon in jacket. (34032). Item #34032
Price: $1,750.00