Rare 2nd State "Three Blind Mice" / "The Mousetrap" Agatha Christie 1949 VG DJ
$45 · Offered by eBay
This unique book is the first published anthology to contain Agatha Christie's short story "Three Blind Mice". This short story was based on her 1947 radio play, of the same name, which was also adapted into the stage play "The Mousetrap". This short story still has not been published in the UK as publication there is prohibited until the play closes. In the US, the story first appeared in Cosmopolitan magazine in 1948, and was first published in December 1948 by Walter Black's Detective Book Club imprint in a two story omnibus that also contained 'The Witness for the Prosecution'. This two-story book is the true first appearance of Three Blind Mice. However, the following month, Walter Black also published both these Christie stories in an anthology that also contained Murder is Served by Francis & Richard Lockridge, and Dark Abyss by Clifford Knight. Surprisingly, 'Three Blind Mice' is not even referenced on the cover so most people never even know it was included in this book. However, this is the first anthology to contain this story. The main-stream book appearance of 'Three Blind Mice' didn't occur until 1950 when it was included in Dodd, Mead & Co.'s Three Blind Mice and Other Stories. The book is in Very Good plus condition with the only flaw worth noting being a previous owner's bookplate which is mostly hidden under the front flap. The dust wrapper is also Very Good plus, with its only notable flaw being some tape reinforcement at the top and tail of the spine. Howe
- Publisher: Walter Black
- Year: 1949
- Condition: Very Good
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