New York: Dodd, Mead & Company, 1951
The first American edition, published the same year in the U.K as Operation Pax. With a laid in note signed by Hollywood literary agent, Evarts Ziegler: “Dear Bill, / I am told this book is a favorite of yours … ” The recipient was the renowned screenwriter, William Goldman. His ex-libris on the first free endpaper, along with a Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM Studios) Library stamp. A very good or better copy with a bit of edge wear to the boards and spine. The contents fine throughout but for mild instances toning to the pages. The dust jacket very good only, with general wear and tear yet still bright and presentable. Overall a lovely copy, enriched by its provenance.
A fantastic thriller following a petty thief who finds himself out of his depth after stealing a piece of paper containing a formula from a secret society of nefarious scientists. He frantically stashes it inside a book in Oxford’s Bodleian Library. A mysterious disappearance at the University ensues, and Scotland Yard detective Sir John Appleby investigates.