Born Crime, Signed (3 results)

Second edition hard back binding in publisher's original black paper covered boards, gilt title and author lettering to the spine, racing green end papers. 8vo. 9½'' x 6¼''. Printer's code 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2. Contains 328 pp. Fine condition book in near Fine condition dust wrapper with tiny crinkle of the paper to the top of the spine, not price clipped, £16.99. SIGNED by the Author to the title page 'Ruth Rendell'. Dust wrapper supplied in archive acetate film protection. Member of the P.B.F.A. DETECTIVE | CRIME FICTION.

First edition hard back binding in publisher's original black paper covered boards, gilt title and author lettering to the spine, racing green end papers. 8vo. 9½'' x 6¼''. Contains 310 printed pages of text. Minimal wear to the covers. Near Fine condition book in near Fine condition dust wrapper with some surface marks to the rear panel, not price clipped. SIGNED by the Author to the title page 'Ruth Rendell'. Dust wrapper supplied in archive acetate film protection, this preserves and prolongs the life of the paper, it is not adhered to the book or to the dust wrapper. Member of the P.B.F.A. ISBN 0091791901 MODERN FIRST EDITIONS.

Both items in poor condition, with burn marks and damp damage [fire damaged much of the Society's archive]. Some of the text of the autograph letter has faded, and it may be that the signature to the typed note has washed away. Autograph Letter Signed: 2pp., 4to. He begins by offering to 'oppose anybody' in a debate that Mrs Roscoe is organising (at the Society of Women Journalists). 'But you should bear in mind that the Crime Club is a purely commercial affair - run entirely by Messrs Collins the publishers of 48 Pall Mall - and I gather (very privately) that writers of detective stories & rival publishers are not exactly welcoming its appearance. Perhaps under the circumstances it would not be politic to have anything to do with it. (For your own information Sir Godfrey Collins is its onlie begetter, and I believe that the Headmaster of Eton, Dr Abington, is "reading" for him.)' He suggests two 'good people' whom Mrs Roscoe might invite: J. J. Connington ('Victor Gollancz can put you in touch with him') and M. R. K. Burge ('writes excellent thrillers under the name of Milford Kennedy'). Straus concludes: 'If you should find somebody more violently opposed to thrillers than myself, don't hesitate to let him or her 'open' the opposition & I will speak afterwards - but I am certainly at your disposal'. Typed Note: 1p., 4to. He is 'happy and honoured' to be a guest of her 'Society' on 11 October 1945. 'Is there any particular aspect of fiction or biography you would like me to speak about? Or just an informal ramble about anything that comes into my head? I will do whatever you say.'.