LADY, MIND THAT CORPSE. by JANSON, Hank" - [FRANCES, Stephen Daniel, 1917-1989] :

London : S. D. Frances, [1948]. First edition. The second full-length Hank Janson title, and probably definitive in terms of fully establishing his modes of characterisation, gritty dialogue and overall style. "Sheila was disguised as a boy until another fella tried to strip away her pants. That started a rumpus which involved the important citizens ...". The subject of forty-seven destruction orders from local magistrates. Crown 8vo (19cm). (5)-111,[v]pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers - a leggy blonde in stockings and disarray in a design by Reginald Heade; tiny chip at foot; some creasing to wrappers; staples a little rusted; a few faint marks, but a good and sound copy of an elusive early title. Just three copies (Bodleian, British Library and Trinity College, Dublin) located in major libraries worldwide. Williams & Holland 2.

London:: S.D. Frances, distributed by Gaywood Press,, [1948].. Apparently First Edition.. Paperback. Near Fine. [iv], (9-)111pp + [5], including an ad for This Woman is Death, Gaywood Press ads, and About the Author. 7"x4.75" stapled text block with thin pictorial paper covers. Very fresh original early copy, from long storage. Pages look and feel new - bright, with no creases, soiling, foxing or other signs of handling. Gun Moll for Hire advertised on back of title page. The staples, just visible at inner margin inside front cover, appear slightly rusty. Front cover by Reginald Heade (dame disarrayed on floor, with arm up - to protect herself ?), bright and clean and uncreased. Plain white spine and back cover. Only indications of use are a thin 6mm scratch to the front cover next to the spine head, light scuffs to the upper joint, and loss of about 2mm scuffed from foot of spine and upper joint. Second title in the series. A superb copy. One of a number of early Janson titles in… Read More