Roman Blood by Saylor, Steven - 1991

New York: St. Martin's Press, 1991. First Edition. Hardcover. Fine/near fine. First printing, octavo size, 367 pp., signed by Steven Saylor. The ancient civilisation of Rome has inspired countless representations of its histories, as well as fiction set during that time; a notable author of historical fiction, Steven Saylor (b. 1956) is best known for his "Roma Sub Rosa" ("Rome under the rose") mystery series, the first of which is this title, "Roman Blood". A riveting murder mystery, the book is set during the rule of Roman dictator Lucius Cornelia Sulla Felix, known as Sulla, and follows the sleuthing of the protagonist Gordianus the Finder, who features in the subsequent books in the series. ___DESCRIPTION: Full black paper, gilt lettering on the spine, black-and-white double-page map titled "Rome At the Time of Sulla's Dictatorship, 80 B.C." preceding the first chapter; octavo size (8.5" by 5.5"), pagination: [i-vi] vii [viii-x] [1-2] 3-357, signed by Steven Saylor at the half-title. In a white paper dust jacket with colour artwork by Barry Marcus on the front and rear panels, brown lettering on the front panel and spine, a review of the book on the rear panel, a description of the book on the front flap, and author photograph and bio on the rear flap; the dust jacket is unclipped with the original price of $19.95 on the front flap. ___CONDITION: A fine copy; the covers clean, the corners straight and unrubbed, the binding tight with solid hinges, the interior clean and bright, and free of prior owner markings; the lightest of rubbing to the head and tail of the spine, else fine.  The dust jacket is near fine, unclipped, clean, with only light edgewear. ___POSTAGE:  International customers, please note that additional postage may apply as the standard does not always cover costs; please inquire for details. ___Swan's Fine Books is pleased to be a member of the ABAA, ILAB, and IOBA and we stand behind every book we sell. Please contact us with any questions you may have, we are here to help.