SELECTED STORIES - First paperback edition - first printing (Hour-glass Library) in near fine condition

A first printing of the first UK paperback edition published in 1946 - published by Maurice Fridberg in the Hour-glass Library - preceding the first hardcover edition, which was published in 1949 by Jonathan Cape. ***A near fine copy in illustrated white card covers, with an hour-glass design, and a list of Selected Stories already published in the series (and those gin preparation) on the back cover. The covers have some rubbing and wear commensurate with age and handling but are remarkably clean. No major faults - just an impression on the back cover caused by the string binding beneath the cover. The spine is completely undamaged and there is no reading lean to the binding. No fading to the covers, and none of the usual browning at the edges. Internally the book is also near fine, with no inscriptions and no creases or tears. The paper stock is slightly tanned with age. No foxing. ***In the original light-blue illustrated dustwrapper, which copies the design of the card covers. The dustwrapper is largely complete, with just some slight loss at the top and tail of the spine, and some rubbing to the edges of the spine. There is also some browning to the spine. The rest of the dustwrapper is bright and clean - just a small splash-stain at the bottom corner of the front panel. The dustwrapper has been corner price-clipped. The foldover flaps are extremely clean and uncreased. ***127 pages. 180mm x 115mm. ***'Marjorie Olive Whitaker, née Taylor (23 Sep 1895, Bradford - 7 Jan 1976, Skipton), better known under her pseudonym Malachi Whitaker, was an English writer, noted for her short stories and an autobiography. She wrote nearly 100 stories published in four collections by Jonathan Cape in the 1920s and 1930s. Her talent was recognized by contemporaries: Vita Sackville-West compared her to Katherine Mansfield, and she was known as the 'Bradford Chekhov'. Following the publication of her memoir "And so did I" in 1939, she announced her retirement from writing.' (Wiki) ***A first printing of the first paperback edition, which was the true first edition, in really nice collectable condition. Copies of this first paperback printing, published just after the Second World War, are extremely scarce now, especially in this condition in the original fragile dustwrapper. Impressive that an 80 year old paperback has survived in such nice condition. A rare survivor. ***For all our books, postage is charged at cost, allowing for packaging: any shipping rates indicated on ABE are an average only: we will reduce the P & P charge where appropriate - please contact us for postal rates for heavier books and sets etc.…