CONAN

Pp.1, 2, 4 [missing 3] with additional unnumbered page entitled bibliography of [...] the Detective Story, folio, connected with stud creating hole which only marginally affects the text, good condition. Lightly corrected MS. An early, pioneering study of the genre as it developed, as a phenomenon similar to literary predecessors (Elizabethan drama). He associates the craze for the detective story with the (post) First World War, but (obviously) finds topoi in Sherlcok Holmes and Murders in the Rue Morgue, citing R.

One page, 12mo, bifolium, good condition. Since I saw you last I hve not neen well, and have in consequence not been able to make progress with the work, on the completion of which depended my being able to undertake and illustrations for you book. | I regret that it is so, but am obliged to say that it is not in my power to furnish any drawings for your work before Christmas. | Your book, howevere, is so very well supplied with illustrators of note that the absence of my name in the list cannot be of any consequence.

On 3.5 x 5 cm slip, laid down on slightly larger rectangle of paper, removed from an album. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn. A neat, firm signature, on a small slip of paper. Presumably cut from a letter, in response to a request for an autograph.

Two pages, cr. 8vo, fold mark, one punch- hole text good and complete. She has been listening to "Any Questions" (on the wireless) where "the publicity given to the recent murder trials" was discussed.

Twelve pages, cr. 8vo, brown illustrated paper wraps, a little grubby, with fold mark at middle, contents good. Begins with editorial, "The Editor's Chair" in which C.P. Scott (presumably) discusses this Christmas number, revealing, among other things that Conan Doyle had been invited to contribute an "exciting" ghost story but failed them. The issue is signed "Montague" on the front wrap, and C.E. Montague is the subject of an article (with photograph), and author of a letter on the Letters page. No copy on COPAC or in Manchester Univ. Lib. catalogue.

The Oxford DNB entry on Sir Walter Besant states that, 'Concerned to cultivate better understanding with North America, Besant worked in the last two years of his life for the Atlantic Union.' In fact it was Besant who founded the club in 1900, with Conan Doyle and others, with the object, according to The Times, 22 February 1900, 'of drawing together the various English-speaking peoples and strengthening the bonds of union by the formation of ties of personal friendship among individual members'.

Dimensions: 17.5 x 13.5 cm. 64 pp. In original coloured paper covers. Priced at 10d, and thus the British edition and not one produced for the foreign market. Good and tight, on browned paper. Attractive image on front cover showing a bemused Holmes puffing on his pipe as he wanders down a country-house corridor whose walls are covered in paintings, while the spectral figure of the hound's head looms above him.Covers lightly worn and slightly damaged by the rusting of the staples. Both stories are told in comic strip form.