First edition, author's first mystery, a bibliomystery. Fine in fine dj.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Radio audiences know Swaim as the reporter on Book Beat , with views of the literary scene. Making his debut as an author himself, he tells a funny and unusual story featuring the many second-hand bookstores long vanished from Fourth Avenue in downtown Manhattan. In 1948, Howard (no one knows his last name) inherits his father's store, where "Pop's old pal, Harry" continues to visit from Baltimore, although he misses his friend, who enjoyed intellectual arguments with the scourge of the "booboisie." Along with the other store owners, Howard mostly ignores the aging but still vitriolic H. L., but Mencken becomes important when Howard's life is threatened. The cause is an 18th century manuscript that Howard's part-time helper, Lenny, persuades him to buy, declaring that they can sell it to Ronald Newberry's snooty uptown gallery for a fortune. It is a prize that someone tries and fails to steal after killing Lenny, thus leaving Howard in possession and at risk of the same fate. Howard realizes that "Harry" holds the clues, and events then speed to a surprising finale of an adventure that can't miss. The colorful cast, quotes from Mencken, evocations of the bookstores and other treasures lost to progress add nostalgic appeal to Swaim's dandy mystery.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Shipping:
FREE
Within U.S.A.
Seller: Better World Books, Mishawaka, IN, U.S.A.
Condition: Very Good. 1st Edition. Used book that is in excellent condition. May show signs of wear or have minor defects. Seller Inventory # 396020-6
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Basement Seller 101, Cincinnati, OH, U.S.A.
hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Seller Inventory # 240810093
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Irish Booksellers, Portland, ME, U.S.A.
Condition: Good. SHIPS FROM USA. Used books have different signs of use and do not include supplemental materials such as CDs, Dvds, Access Codes, charts or any other extra material. All used books might have various degrees of writing, highliting and wear and tear and possibly be an ex-library with the usual stickers and stamps. Dust Jackets are not guaranteed and when still present, they will have various degrees of tear and damage. All images are Stock Photos, not of the actual item. book. Seller Inventory # 20-0312022174-G
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Books From California, Simi Valley, CA, U.S.A.
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Includes dust jacket. First Edition. First Edition / First Printing as identified with "1" in the full number line. Dj included. Seller Inventory # mon0002978061
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Books End Bookshop, Syracuse, NY, U.S.A.
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good+. Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good+. First Edition; First Printing. Seller Inventory # 54060
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Ziebarth Books, Coal Valley, IL, U.S.A.
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine. 1st Edition. First edition, first printing, hardcover. Black cloth with green lettering on the spine. 174 pages. Near fine in a good dust jacket with 1/2" tear with creases to bottom edge of rear panel and two 1" tears to bottom edge of spine. Mylar cover on jacket. A literate mystery novel. Seller Inventory # 138868
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Ziebarth Books, Coal Valley, IL, U.S.A.
Hardcover. Condition: Near Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Good. 1st Edition. First edition, first printing, hardcover. 174 pages. Near fine with spine ends lightly pushed, in a good, mylar-covered dust jacket with wear to edges, including 1" tear with creases to bottom edge of rear panel. Seller Inventory # 137191
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Harry Alter, Sylva, NC, U.S.A.
hardcover, Condition: fair, St. Martin's Press, NY, c.1988, 1st., 8vo., hardcover, 174pp., ex-lib.- spine label, pocket, stamps, tape-marked covers, fair in dj $. Seller Inventory # 96808
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Bob's Books, Tacoma, WA, U.S.A.
Hardcover. Condition: Near Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good. 1st Edition. "A Joan Kahn Book." 1st printing. Clean and tight. Jacket slightly shelf worn; not price clipped. Seller Inventory # ABE-1666290502748
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: BookMarx Bookstore, Steubenville, OH, U.S.A.
Hardcover. Condition: Collectible Very Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good. Family-owned bookshop in Steubenville, Ohio: BookMarx Bookstore. Books shipped within 24 hours. 1st Edition / 1st Printing - No marks or writing observed in text. Binding unbroken and square. Gently read if at all. Seller Inventory # 82825
Quantity: 1 available