1888 The Mystery of a Hansom Cab
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Description
Publishers' Original Binding
A lovely copy of this, the one-hundred and seventy-fifth thousand. This is the first UK edition of this work printed originally in Australia. Rarely seen in this condition as this work was so popular it was often passed around to be read by friends and is in quite a thin paper binding.
This novel was such a sensational hit that 25,000 copies were published a month in England from July 1887 onwards, this printing being from January 1888. The work was so popular that is outsold the first Sherlock Holmes novel, 'A Study in Scarlet', selling so many copies that it became the best-selling mystery novel of the Victorian era.
'The Mystery of a Hansom Cab' is an Australian mystery novel, first published in Australia 1886, and England in 1887.
Set in Melbourne, the mystery focuses on a murder, in which a body is discovered in a hansom cab. Though being a gripping mystery the novel is woven with an exploration with the class divide in the city as well.
By Fergus Hume, a prolific novelist who is best known for this work. This novel was based on his knowledge of Little Bourke Street. The first edition was self-published, but Hume sold the rights for fifty pounds before it saw great success, and didn't benefit from the financial popularity.
Adverts to the wraps and endpapers.
Condition
In the original publisher's wraps. Externally, smart. A little rusting to the staples on the wraps, and to the first few pages. Some light marks to the wraps. Minor edge wear, with a small amount of loss to the head and tail of the spine. Rear wrap is lifting a little to the tail. Light spots to the fore edge. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright and clean, with a few scattered spots to the first and last few pages. Pencil notes to the reverse of the title page which could be erased if required.
Very Good
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