The second Judge Dee mystery. A Dutch first edition, first impression - text in English. The true first edition. Precedes the UK first by six years
Wrapper : The wrapper on this copy is bright and complete. It is unclipped. The front panel is bright and unfaded, showing gentle wear at the leading edge corners. The spine is toned and gently soiled. It shows bruising and rubbing to the ends. The back panel is sound, showing light overall soiling and toning. Looks sharp in protective plastic.
Book : The book is square and very tight. The boards are clean and unfaded. The corners are sharp. The spine ends are gently bruised. The pages are clean. No foxing. The closed page edges are slightly dulled. There are no loose or dog-eared pages. The binding is solid and without cracked hinges. There is a small ownership inscription at the top of the title page. A nice copy in a protected wrapper.
Publisher: W van Hoeve 1956
Condition : Very Good ++ Wrapper : Very Good ++
