THE ROAD TO SAMARCAND by O'BRIAN, Patrick:

London: Rupert Hart-Davis. 1954. First edition, first printing. First edition, first printing. Original orange cloth lettered in gilt to the spine, in the dustwrapper designed by Ralph Thompson. A near fine copy, the binding square and firm, the contents clean throughout. There are a few light spots to the upper edge and some very light (barely visible) spotting to the fore-edge. Complete with the dustwrapper, faded to the spine (extending to the rear panel), rubbed and nicked to spine tips and to the upper edge of the front panel. Very minor loss to spine tips. Light spotting to the rear flap. Not price-clipped (10s 6d net to the front flap). Altogether, a bright attractive copy. A stand-alone adventure story, preceding the Aubrey/Maturin novels for which the author became famous. The first edition jacket classifies the work as being suitable for older children; later editions (including the currently available paperback) omits this guidance and is presented uniformly with O'Brian's "adult" novels. "Newly orphaned Derrick is entrusted to the care of his gruff Uncle Sullivan, captain of the Wanderer. In a quest for the treasures of Central Asia, they set off on foot accompanied by their eccentric elderly cousin, the Professor." Further details and images for any of the items listed are available on request. Lucius Books welcomes direct contact with our customers.