The Mysterious Affair At Styles.

CHRISTIE, [Dame] Agatha (1890-1976).

London: John Lane, the Bodley Head, 1921. [Crime fiction] ADVANCE REVIEW COPY OF THE FIRST EDITION. Octavo (19 x 13cm), pp.[4] 296 [6]. Elegantly hand-bound in burgundy full morocco, with gilt titles and decoration to spine, two-line gilt fillet to boards, marbled endpapers, original decorated cloth covers bound in at rear. Publisher's oval blind-relief stamp to title page bearing the notice "REVIEW COPY WITH JOHN LANE'S COMPLIMENTS". Some light expected spotting (thick, fluffy paperstock), a few minor reading marks within, marginal chip (p.50), edges uniformly toned, not trimmed when bound, Internally clean and bright. A very good in a handsome leather binding. Christie's first book, introducing Belgian detective Hercule Poirot. Review copies were issued prior to publication. This example effectively represents the earliest obtainable Christie text; the manuscript presumably residing at The Christie Archive Trust where Agatha Christie's personal archives are held, and no proofs are recorded as being sold, according to our searches. Item #72383

Price: £14,500.00