Tiger Claws (Inscribed First Edition)

8vo., 305pp. Solid Stated First Edition bound in original publisher's brown cloth with titles stamped in orange on spine and decoration on front board. Square, tight and generally clean throughout with very mild toning to fore-edges. A bit of color bleed to the paste-downs. Some softness to spine ends and a touch of edge-wear. Board surfaces a toned and spotted. Bookplate on front paste-down. Gorgeous unfaded, unclipped dust jacket, ($2.00), has a touch of rubbing to rear hinge and panel. A couple of faint crinkles. Still fresh and bright with no chipping, toning or tears. It is possible that the jacket, though original and perfectly authentic, was married later to the book. Either that or the original owner had the foresight to keep the jacket separate and in a safe place. Either way, it is a stunning example. Delightfully inscribed, signed and dated by the author on the front end-paper, in the year of publication, to a couple with clearly a close friendship. "To Tina Rolph, RX To be taken in paragraphical doses at bedtime whenever Harold begins to snore. If sleep is not induced, heave the book at him! Frank L. Packard Lachine, P.Q. November 10/28. Mystery involving the New York City underworld. A stunning collectable copy rarely seen in such condition. (Hubin p.308).…