THE TASTE OF ASHES.
New York: Simon and Schuster, 1957. Octavo, cloth backed boards. First edition. Signed inscription by Browne to a mystery bookseller; "For--- / whom I tolerate only because / he's a bookseller / Howard Browne / 4/16/88." Signed again on the title page by Browne. Also a short typed note dated 1982 from Browne is laid in, declining an invitation to the BoucherCon and saying he is working on a new book to be titled Pork City (St. Martin's, 1988). The next to last Paul Pine novel, this one published under his own name, thought by some the best of the series. [Reference: Hubin, p. 270. Pronzini and Muller, 1001 Midnights, The Aficionado's Guide to Mystery and Detective Fiction, pp. 96-97. Pederson (ed.), St. James Guide to Crime & Mystery Writers (4th edition), 116-117]. A very good plus copy, text block age darkened in an about near fine dust jacket, with a touch of shelf wear and rubbing (9841). Item #9841
Price: $750.00